I was in Xtravision this evening spending money as usual when I spotted this new product
It’s a mobile phone designed for kids.
The idea behind it is probably very attractive from a parent’s perspective (I’m not one, so I can’t speak personally) but I wonder how well it will do.
From their blurb:
Many parents are reluctant to give young children mobile phones because they cannot control the calls they receive or make. The Firefly phone is designed to allay these fears and puts you in charge of your little one’s calls.
Firefly mobile is the first phone on the Irish market which is PIN protected and SIM free. Designed from a kids’ point of view, it has just five keys and is safe, accessible and fun to use. Firefly phones keep children connected to the people who matter most
Hopefully you can set it up without using their online wizard, as that part of the site isn’t online yet!
I think they’re off target on the overall look of the device. My 7 year old daughter would love it, but I know where she is 24/7 anyway. My 10 year old son would consider it a bit “Fisher Price” for him, and he’s the one who’s always out and about, and would need it more. He’d want something either a bit more like a conventional mobile or more industrial looking.
Gary
So you think it might only work with younger kids?
I was looking at the photos of it in the shop and was wondering how kids would react.
Michele
Younger kids will love it. Girls especially would love the add-on covers. I’m not so sure it would appeal as much to the older crowd who would be more tech-aware. It looks more like a toy than a phone, and it’s obvious to the older kids that it’s sole purpose (as far as they’re concerned) is to let their parents keep track of them. If I was looking to get him a phone/device to keep in touch when he’s out and about, I’d probably get him a very cheap prepay phone and lock it down so he could only phone home, not tell him it’s number so nobody else could phone him and “break” the text message function. Lidl periodically sell the Motorola F3 for €50, which would be perfect. It looks good, it’s simple & robust, and I won’t string him up when he loses it.
I’m not sure that giving a small child a device with a button that calls 999 would endear the manufacturers to the emergency services…
Gary, I’d agree with the idea of locking down a more mainstream phone. The service providers could take the lead here, but I can’t see it happening…
Hi,
Felt compelled to comment – The 999 button can be easily removed, its one of the features of the phone. The handset is simply offered as an alternative to the standard/mainstream handsets that are currently on sale. Also a very important point is that it is targeted at Parents and not children.
The firefly is really cool my 6 year old thinks she is the b,s and e,s now . Its soooooooooo secure and safe the 999 buttons can be locked for all those who think they Know what there talking about… i look after the elderly and even they think its easy to use and nice and light , small , and cute. I wouldnt buy a child thats less then 13 a phone but i defo would give them the firefly to start out with.