<![CDATA[Mobile phones for kids]]>

super_dad:
Say....if you want to get a mobile phone...what would be a suitable one for kids? (in terms of ease of use, durability, low running cost...)

Get one with the lowest radiation. SAR level.....
Most parents don't want damage their kids'brains, right? :celebrate:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/25/mobile-phones-for-kidsRSS for NodeTue, 21 Apr 2026 23:29:25 GMTWed, 05 May 2010 06:54:01 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:12:10 GMT]]>I'm lucky so far my 7 year old not that keen on his hp .. ...just yet.

He carries hp to school and only uses it to call DH or me occasionally, other times it is left in the schoolbag.
He plays games on ipod only during yakky adult meal times outside.
Hope it stays this way. ๐Ÿ˜‰

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171991https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171991Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:12:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:57:23 GMT]]>Be careful with kids using iphones for long periods of time, the small screen strains the eyesโ€ฆI feel the effect too; if I surf too long on it, my lao hua will surface and text will become fuzzy.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171984https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171984Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:57:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:53:42 GMT]]>DS hooked on mobile phone ever since dh passed his omnia to watch YouTube video clips of songs.


After we switched to iPhone, he's been hijacking it whenever he sees it. He knows how to play games, watch videos and take pictures, just by watching us tapping and stroking the screen!

I won't be surprise that he'll ask for a phone soon, though he can now only make calls accidentally.

And he's not even 3 yet!

Next time u see a tot holding a iPhone on bus or train, that could be him.

Cofession: times when we need to talk or watch movies undusturbed, we'll chuck the phone to ds to have peace.

:oops: :oops: :oops: ๐Ÿ˜‰

we now hide our phones when get home, bluff him that we left the phones at work place or in the vehicle, coz the first thing he sees us is ' I want to play another game'.

Any parents with \"iPhone addicted\" kids? Can share how to control the urge for them to play with it? ( I know it's already hard for adults to stop fondling with it for start) ๐Ÿ™‚

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171964https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171964Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:53:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:56:26 GMT]]>DD1 got a new phone but it is a very simple one. She only uses it to take pictures of her baby sister, play games and send SMS to her friends and family. She keeps it at home when she goes to school and only brings it out when we go out or when she is staying with my PILs. We have taught her to never access the internet with it, delete spam SMS and cancel calls from unfamiliar numbers. As for the iPhone, she only gets to play with it if Daddy allows it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171585https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/171585Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:56:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:22:00 GMT]]>

jedamum:
if you deemed that your kid is not behaving well at home, i don't think you should be getting him a handphone at this stage just cos of his 'begging'. jmho.

hp for kids (pri at least) should be mainly for communications. ds1 is using old model that only has 20 sms storage memory, has sms characters word limit per sms and no mms or camera. he only gets to play his dad's iphone APP when the dad offers.
Agree, a child has to prove herself/himself to be able to handle one with discipline. Even though mine got one at 6YO, but she uses it for communication mainly, plays games only while waiting with nothing to do.

It is an old second-hand one daddy handed down to her, no frills phone because mainly to keep her contactable.

School will need to register the phone and where they can use the phone in school is very limited too, mainly canteen only.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/170927https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/170927Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:22:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:42:08 GMT]]>

Donkey Kong:
Kids these days ask for everything. My kid is begging me to buy him an Apple iPhone. He said iPhone has many APPs. Wow, primary sch students also know what is 'Apps' ! :shock:


Mobile Phones have radiation. It is labelled as SAR values like 0.5W/kg in the instruction manual. Actually, the law requires manufacturers to label this at the BOX. No company dares to do it... ๐Ÿ˜ข

If I use my HP for > 5 mins, I will have tension headache. Ear gets heated up. Face red red. :x Dizzy, nausea. Do you have the same experience?

Now, kid asking for one. I need to track his movement too. Do schools allow mobile phones? Which model you normally buy for kids?
:?
mods, pls merge.
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25&start=0
if you deemed that your kid is not behaving well at home, i don't think you should be getting him a handphone at this stage just cos of his 'begging'. jmho.
hp for kids (pri at least) should be mainly for communications. ds1 is using old model that only has 20 sms storage memory, has sms characters word limit per sms and no mms or camera. he only gets to play his dad's iphone APP when the dad offers.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/170919https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/170919Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:42:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:36:37 GMT]]>Kids these days ask for everything. My kid is begging me to buy him an Apple iPhone. He said iPhone has many APPs. Wow, primary sch students also know what is 'Apps' ! :shock:


Mobile Phones have radiation. It is labelled as SAR values like 0.5W/kg in the instruction manual. Actually, the law requires manufacturers to label this at the BOX. No company dares to do it... ๐Ÿ˜ข

If I use my HP for > 5 mins, I will have tension headache. Ear gets heated up. Face red red. :x Dizzy, nausea. Do you have the same experience?

Now, kid asking for one. I need to track his movement too. Do schools allow mobile phones? Which model you normally buy for kids?
:?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/170862https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/170862Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:36:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:06:12 GMT]]>I am not in favor of the parents who give their kids mobile phones. Because mobile phone use may wreak on young childrenโ€™s mental and physical health. Survey has already proved that. It may also affect their studies and lead them in a wrong way. So, as their well-wishers the parents must have to judge how far it would be necessary to give the kids mobile phones.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91605https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91605Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:06:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:08:34 GMT]]>Dont forget that the prepaid cards have an expiry date, usually 3 months. i.e. you will need to top every 3 months to maintain the line EVEN if there is still value in the line, otherwise the telco will deem the line not in use, recycle the number and forfeit any unused value in the line.


As such, Iโ€™ve gone with the telco with the cheapest top up card value since most other costs are able the same.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91519https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91519Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:08:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:47:54 GMT]]>

cafelatte:
Bumping up this thread.


1) Anyone found the software that allow parents to view SMS messages/call log ?
2) Seems like pre-paid card is the best option for the kid's handphone. Sorry to ask but I can't find answer on the Singtel website, how does pre-paid cards work and do I need to go Hello shop to get one ?
You can buy pre-paid card from authorised dealer or 7-eleven, Cheers. You need your IC to activate the line. You pay for the card depending on the value of the card. Once the value is running low, you can top up at 7-eleven or Cheers.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91212https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91212Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:47:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:46:17 GMT]]>

ks2me:
[Moderator's note: Topics merged.]


1. How do you manage that? Any rules set?
I only give DS the mobile phone when he has to leave the house for Kumon.
The rule is he can only sms and call me.
2. Do you give them a contract plan phone or just the hi card?
Mine is a contract plan.

3. What is an appropriate age to give?
I guess it depends on the maturity of the child. My DS starts to use the mobile only this year. DS is 9yo.
4. If you give, what are your reasons?
For me to call him so that I will know if he is safe.5. Which phone models do you give?
DS is using Nokia.6. Do they bring to school or only for weekend use?
DS is not allowed to bring his mobile to school.

Thank you for sharing.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91208https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91208Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:46:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:31:07 GMT]]>

xxjustakidxx:
jedamum:

only when he needs to stay back in school for extra curriculum and we need to contact each other on when to pick him up. Preferably is that he needs to know how to sms.


I have been saving up my mobile plan to 'pass it on' to him. My mobile plan costs only $3.50/mth - the catch is that there is only 30min free offpeak call time but has up to 700 free smses. So that will probably restrict him from talking too much to his friends cos he need to bear the $0.20 per block minute talktime and there are no free incoming talktime at all. ๐Ÿ˜„

WHOA, 700 free smses?
What's that plan?

used to be Singtel Podlite. extinct already. plan used to cost $9.90, but i got discount for loyalty, so basic subscription now is $3.50/mth without caller id.good for heavy sms user like me - that was during schooling time. i don't usually call people, but cos now my mum always call me, the cost per min block still incurred up to $20plus per month. ๐Ÿ˜‰
..refuse to upgrade....leaving it for my kid. ๐Ÿ˜„

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91184https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91184Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:31:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:04:29 GMT]]>

cafelatte:
Bumping up this thread.


1) Anyone found the software that allow parents to view SMS messages/call log ?
2) Seems like pre-paid card is the best option for the kid's handphone. Sorry to ask but I can't find answer on the Singtel website, how does pre-paid cards work and do I need to go Hello shop to get one ?
if you signup for singtel online mybill, details (date/time/duration/mobile no.) of in/out calls and outgoing messages are displayed. don need any software...paperless billing too!

yes, prepaid cards can be bought at hello shop, and top up at atms. useful if your child only makes few calls to arrange transport, for eg. usually for pri school kids, parents would go for prepaid cards.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91170https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91170Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:04:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:28:43 GMT]]>

mstan:
Sorry to Nokia fans, but I've heard too many cases that Nokia phones no longer that good. It spoilts easily.. hangs easily, etc...


Maybe can consider Sony Ecrission or other cheaper brand for kids to use bah..

I hope my daughter can get to use the mobile next year but she dono how to use a phone yet. :roll:
True, ever since that incident where I reached 1000 messages and the whole phone just shuts down, I cannot delete my messages anymore, and I even have problems viewing old messages.
And also, if you keep your messages, your phone will take ages to load. (mine takes about 5 min, averagely)
PS: I'm 12.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91158https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91158Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:28:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:25:43 GMT]]>

jedamum:
only when he needs to stay back in school for extra curriculum and we need to contact each other on when to pick him up. Preferably is that he needs to know how to sms.


I have been saving up my mobile plan to 'pass it on' to him. My mobile plan costs only $3.50/mth - the catch is that there is only 30min free offpeak call time but has up to 700 free smses. So that will probably restrict him from talking too much to his friends cos he need to bear the $0.20 per block minute talktime and there are no free incoming talktime at all. ๐Ÿ˜„
WHOA, 700 free smses?
What's that plan?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91156https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91156Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:25:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:07:53 GMT]]>Bumping up this thread.


1) Anyone found the software that allow parents to view SMS messages/call log ?
2) Seems like pre-paid card is the best option for the kidโ€™s handphone. Sorry to ask but I canโ€™t find answer on the Singtel website, how does pre-paid cards work and do I need to go Hello shop to get one ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91137https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91137Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:07:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:54:05 GMT]]>Duncha' worry your little mind over it..

Chief wud have it moved in no time. ๐Ÿ˜„

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91135https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91135Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:54:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:50:06 GMT]]>Ooops! sorry ! search a few times but I guess I didn't hit the right key words.


Please help me to delete this thread and don't :rant: me. :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91133https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91133Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:50:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:43:32 GMT]]>here it is..

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25&start=0

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91131https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91131Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:43:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:42:58 GMT]]>We have an existing thread you can add on to here, cafelatte...

> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91130https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91130Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:42:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:30:13 GMT]]>I know some parents has to provide the child a handphone out of necessity.


1. Does your child has a handphone ? Started at what age ?
2. Your main reason for providing the handphone ?
3. What sort of mobile package did you subcribe for your child ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91127https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/91127Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:30:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:07:50 GMT]]>

daisyt:
BigDevil, westmom, the one i saw allow parents to view the sms messages and the telephone numbers call and receives online. Sigh ... I simply cannot find the link now. :x

No worry Daisy - it will probably pop up one fine day. The one you saw is more \"useful\" - haha! Pls do pm me if you find it as I may easily miss certain forum threads!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/42244https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/42244Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:07:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Mobile phones for kids on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:54:43 GMT]]>

BigDevil:
http://home.singtel.com/consumer/products/mobile/value_added_services/locator_overview.asp

BigDevil, westmom, the one i saw allow parents to view the sms messages and the telephone numbers call and receives online. Sigh ... I simply cannot find the link now. :x

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/42218https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/42218Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:54:43 GMT