Some might call it child’s play but as a new mobile device for 4 year old kids hits the shelves, it has left some children’s groups a little indifferent.

Produced by OwnFone, the new handset has been targeted at those kids between the ages of 4 and 9 years old.

Measuring approximately the same width and length of a credit card, its aim among many is to ensure little tykes are protected from the ghastly aspects of bullying.

Although it does not boast a screen itself and has no internet connection, the 1stFone seems to be excellent value for money at less than £60 a pop.

Are you sold yet? Well for some people this has definitely split opinion so far but 1stFone has a number of other advantages to boot.

In spite of its simple functionality, the company has assured consumers that it decreases the threat of having any cyber bully issues not to mention being exposed to any harmful pictures.

In fact, parents have the ability to be in control of the device thanks to a 12 digit code which can be entered into the phone. They can also add in a number for the emergency services.

It ensures the child will be unable to make any unnecessary calls to anybody of note which of course is an added bonus.

OwnFone

In addition to this, OwnFone’s owner, Tom Sunderland gave his insight into what this new bit of kit means to parents;

“In a world dominated by smart phones, parents face a difficult choice when it comes to finding a first phone for their child. We wanted to design a fun product that appeals to children but puts parents in complete control and minimises usage while still providing a vital connection between parent and child.”

However, there are as mentioned a host of critics out there who have put their two (or three) pennies worth in.

Sue Palmer renowned author of the book Toxic Childhood has admitted that children are not motivated to own a mobile phone. However, when speaking to the Daily Telegraph about the concept of a kid’s phone she said it is simply “just another way of trying to make money out of children and their parents.”

Meanwhile, the popular UK site for mother’s netmums.com has also put their maternal oar into the debate.

“Marketing mobiles to pre-school children is wrong. No four-year-old needs their own phone as they should never be left alone or in a situation where they need to ring an adult. Some parents don’t want their kids to start using phones too early, but the children have different ideas. Mobiles could obviously be vital in hairy situations, but then there’s the risk of exposure to the darkest corners of the Internet. Phones and tablets will also be crucial to the way we educate ourselves and work in the future, so keeping a child away from such devices could leave them disadvantaged later in life.”

Some might say the kids are alright, but this has left some consumer groups up in arms. Ultimately, the final decision lies with the parents.

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