Let’s face it; the youth of today are growing up far too quickly! Too often we are reading stories surrounding the controversial topic, but are the media and manufacturers really to blame?; or does some of the fault lie with families, who above all, allow their children to engage in such hype?
The point for discussion comes from the announcement that new tech brand OwnFone has released a £55 customisable phone designed for four to nine year olds; giving them the ability to make and receive calls to pre-programmed phone numbers. The credit card-sized phone is designed to reduce the risks of text or cyber bullying, prevent the use of inappropriate internet browsing and protect the child from muggings. However, we can't help but think that giving a four year old a phone in the first instance, despite how basic it is, is wrong; if a four year old is in need of a phone just in case they fall out of supervision, it could be argued that they are already in danger of not receiving appropriate parental care, and no phone could help to prevent this.
Children need to be monitored but they also need to enjoy their childhood; by giving them a phone you are suggesting that they need to be independent and responsible, whilst signalling to others that they are vulnerable. Also, with the manufacturer suggesting that they have been designed to be light weight so they can be worn on a lanyard around the neck; the makers are contradicting themselves, as surely this would encourage mugging as it is easily noticeable? If it wasn't there in the first instance then there probably would be no risk at all.
The more concerning argument is how the media poorly represents what children should or shouldn’t be allowed to do; and now manufactures are too taking advantage of this market and suggesting that owning a mobile is a necessity. From our experience, mobile phones were for teenagers plus; as four years old, we didn't know what they were and we relied on our parent’s awareness and guidance to keep us out of sticky situations.
Although this is a great, simple gadget; we think OwnFone has designed it for the wrong market. Perhaps they could pitch their product to the elderly who still have the need to communicate; giving them simple, basic technology which they may favour instead of a Smartphone? OwnFone, we think you should look again at your target market and ask yourselves, is giving a four year old a mobile phone really wise?