And now something for teachers in Nursery and Reception years to think about...
A free mobile phone aimed at children as young as 4 years has been launched in the UK this week (presumably in time for Christmas blingsters) according to the manufacturers web site the phone is being marketed as a 'Safety Phone'
Teddyfone is a specifically designed child safety phone. It uses mobile phone technology but emissions are up to ten times less than a conventional mobile phone (0.2 w/kg SAR value), the lowest in existence.
It looks like a teddy, is easy to use and has limited functionality making it unattractive to muggers.
Unlike conventional mobile phones, Teddyfone has:
no screen, so children can't download (or be sent) ringtones, games or inappropriate images
only four buttons, which parents pre-programme with numbers they are happy for their child to call - likely to be mum, dad and grandparents and a friend
a parent activated child monitor option which enables them to listen to what is happening around their child
an SOS button for emergencies. If the child feels threatened or in danger, they can press this button, which automatically sends a pre-programmed message to three preprogrammed numbers, and enables one person to listen to what is happening at the child's end.
an optional child tracking service whereby parents can locate their child at the touch of a button
In addition, Teddyfone is absolutely FREE other than calls and SMS made which are charged at standard rates. There is:-
no product purchase price
no postage or packing
no line rental for 24 months
Added to this there is an optional free subscription to the KidsOK child tracker service, which would normally cost £39.95. You only pay when you use this service, which is charged at 50p per location.
Free mobile phone deals are common place on the high street this is no different.
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More info at
http://www.teddyfone.com/index.shtmlWould love to hear other members thoughts on this type of development, e.g. is this a cynical attempt to tap the pre-teens market and prey on parents, carers or grand-parents fears or is it a genuinely useful piece of technology?
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