[blparent] cell phones for kids

[Veronica Smith]

I just bought Gab a cell phone last year as she started middle school.  She
calls me when she gets to school and again when she leaves and starts her
trek home.  
Before then, I didn't think she needed one as the homes where she played,
the mom's always had a phone and I could call if I needed  my child to come
home or for that matter, I could just walk up the street and retrieve my
child.
When I did get Gab a phone, I got a Crket for $35 a month with unlimited
calling and texting.  I'd rather hear her voice that to receive a text.  Not
to scare you or anything, but if someone should take her, they could easily
text.  I want to hear her voice.


-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jennifer
Jackson
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 1:46 AM
To: 'Blind Parents Mailing List'
Subject: [blparent] cell phones for kids

I am considering getting some cell phones for my two younger kids. Really
more as a communication tool for me. I started out looking at walkie
talkies, but that quickly moved into actual two way radios with the
durability and distance issues figured in. I am still considering both
options and wanted to get some other thoughts on the matter.

The walkie talkie solution  is more expensive up front, but will have
minimal ongoing expenses other than electricity to recharge the batteries.
They would have enough range for Henry to play in the neighborhood and be
called home even if he goes in someone's house. I think they walkie talkies
might also be more difficult to use because they have 22 channels and some
other controls. Once set up though you can talk at the push of a button. I
also have not heard anything about research showing that radio waves cause
brain cancer like I have with cell phone transmissions. I also think my kids
would get a kick out of the wrist watch versions of these. There are also
head set ones that I think kids would enjoy, but they could also be
misplaced more easily.

 

Cell phones. In principle I am opposed to cell phones for kids. As a blind
parent though, I see the benefit to being able to call my child and confirm
he is just up the street. Am I using my blindness to justify this? I am
thinking of a $20 track phone and then just buying minutes as we go. Of
course this could quickly add up even if we stick to texting.

 

I am really open to other thoughts and opinions on this subject. I know some
of this could be accomplished with an electronic locater, but those do not
have much range for my older kids. I am not thinking of these as Christmas
gifts, just my families various communication issues in the upcoming year.
It just occurs to me that maybe what I want is one of this GPS locater wrist
bands. Something like they use for the house arrest kids. :-)          

 

J

Jennifer

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