Kids and Smartphones

Kids and Smartphones. Smart phones for kids are the same phones used by adults. These phones are packed with many features, and any decision to buy one for your child needs careful consideration.

A ‘smart phone’ is a new generation of cell phone that works similar to a computer. They have full access to the internet, email, and many applications you would expect to find on a computer.

There are hundreds of models on the market and powered by operating systems such as Windows, Symbian, Android and Apple’s iPhone. Prices range from around $1400 for the latest iPhone, to around $200 – $300 for a phone running the Android operating system.

Phone sales for smart phones have escalated over the past 6 months and continue to be one of the hottest products on kids’ wish lists! We believe phones running the android operating system will be the most popular, due to its affordability.

All phones come with wireless connectivity to the internet. In New Zealand, like other countries, wireless connectivity is freely provided in various parts of the city. Here in NZ, FREE wireless connectivity is provided at city libraries and ALL McDonald’s restaurants nationwide!

Children are now able to sit at McDonalds and surf the internet for free, and unmonitored. Is this really such a god idea? Parents wanting a solution to at least monitor their children’s’ internet activity are able to identify and address any issues as they arise.

We have looked at various products on the market and have tested one we see as beneficial to the NZ parent. Phone Beagle is a small application that is installed on the Android smart phone. Once it is installed, it records all internet activity, all text messages, picture messages and GPS location data.

All data is accessible from an internet site, therefore parents are able to review the data, regardless of where they may be.