Firefly phone for kids. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

shecass · 10-23-2006, 07:18 AM

I'm debating about getting the firefly phone for my son. He is only 10, I may wait another year before I get it.

I was just wondering if anyone has one of these for their kids and if you like them.

StewiesMom · 10-23-2006, 08:10 AM

I think they're a good idea

A couple of my cousins have them and they're handy for kids who walk home from school alone or are out playing in the neighborhood with friends.

I only have one concern w/ kids & cell phones. A little 8 yo girl lives in my apt building and she walks home from her dance classes alone in the dark @ 7:30 everyday. She is ALWAYS blabbing away on her cell phone to her friends with her ear piece in. I think that if a parent is going to give one to their kids, they shouldn't program their friend's numbers in there because it is unsafe for kids to be walking home alone in the dark in the 1st place, plus with that added distraction of chatting away, it becomes much more dangerous.

Cheska's Bella · 10-23-2006, 08:54 AM

We bought my daughter one (a migo) when she was eight (she's nine now). It's nice, you program in 4 numbers that she can call. My cell, Adam's cell, the house phone, and my Mom (her Grandma). Anyone who has the number can call her, which is kind of nice because then if I'm at work or whatever, I can still call her even though it's not one of the four numbers set in her phone, but she can't call just anyone.

ssguzzy · 10-23-2006, 10:21 AM

I think they are great idea!! I dont let my younger kids out without our supervision but when we go out to amusment parks or the malls we have walkie talkies that we use. I want to get the firefly's though it seems easier to use. My 12 year old has a cell phone but he is only allowed to use it to check in with and he so far has respected his usage on it. Let us know if you get them and how you like them!!

ssguzzy · 10-23-2006, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheska's Bella

We bought my daughter one (a migo) when she was eight (she's nine now). It's nice, you program in 4 numbers that she can call. My cell, Adam's cell, the house phone, and my Mom (her Grandma). Anyone who has the number can call her, which is kind of nice because then if I'm at work or whatever, I can still call her even though it's not one of the four numbers set in her phone, but she can't call just anyone.

how does it work as far as expenses? Do you pay monthly or do you just buy minutes for it? Also if there are unused minutes do they rollover or do you lose them at the end of the month. Sorry for all the qeustions lol.

Rae Rae · 10-23-2006, 10:26 AM

I think it's a great idea! There's so many dangers in todays world, cell phones can really save lives! And with these kid phones you don't have to worry about them going over on the minutes or anything.

chachi · 10-23-2006, 10:26 AM

We bought one for our Daughter she is 6. For older kids I would just buy a regular phone because the firefly is so basic. We can program in who she can call and who she can get calls from though. Hers is on our Family plan

Erin · 10-23-2006, 11:02 AM

I work at a school and all the kids have cell phones. Our policy is that they need to be OFF during the day - if they ring we take them - and they cannot "chat" on the bus with them. My advice is buy a CHEAP one because they get lost and stolen and just lay down the rules and stick to them. Cell phones are for the parent's convenience and the kid's safety ONLY until they can pay for it themselves.

shecass · 10-23-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

I work at a school and all the kids have cell phones. Our policy is that they need to be OFF during the day - if they ring we take them - and they cannot "chat" on the bus with them. My advice is buy a CHEAP one because they get lost and stolen and just lay down the rules and stick to them. Cell phones are for the parent's convenience and the kid's safety ONLY until they can pay for it themselves.

If he gets one, he won't have it at school. I just checked online we have cingular and the phone online is free of course it is an addition $10 a month for another line and I will have to pay an activation fee. If he gets one this is the one he will get. We have free mobile to mobile minutes and unlimited nights and weekends.

Ponyup · 10-23-2006, 11:31 AM

My mom got one for my grandpa. He is getting up there in the years, but still lives at home & spends time alone. She programed emergency numbers in there so he can call for help at the touch of a buttom. It also has a big button that dials 911. It's very cute. she just added it as another line onto her phone, I think it's like $10 a month.

Jenn218 · 10-23-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shecass

If he gets one, he won't have it at school. I just checked online we have cingular and the phone online is free of course it is an addition $10 a month for another line and I will have to pay an activation fee. If he gets one this is the one he will get. We have free mobile to mobile minutes and unlimited nights and weekends.

That would be the thing to do...that sounds good.

I was told that the pay as you go phones are good for kids. I was told that the Net10 was the best on regarding coverage area, etc. With a pay-as-you-go phone, all you do is pay for the phone at the store and by the minute cards. I am not certain the cost per card/per minutes...but that might be something to look into.

Lexi's_Mommy · 10-23-2006, 08:17 PM

My daughters are 7 and 12, both have a cell phone. My oldest got her first cell phone when she was 9. They don't even go to my moms without it.

Cheska's Bella · 10-24-2006, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssguzzy

how does it work as far as expenses? Do you pay monthly or do you just buy minutes for it? Also if there are unused minutes do they rollover or do you lose them at the end of the month. Sorry for all the qeustions lol.

We added another line to ours. Our provider is Verizon, and we have her line, my line and my SO's line on one bill. We share about 1500 minutes (nights/weekends free and free long distance) and we've never gone over and I talk to my Mom ALL the time! LOL.

My daughter doesn't really use the phone alot, but it's there for emergencies. It's also really nice when she's staying w/her grandma/friends and her and I can talk and it doesn't use up any minutes.

shecass · 10-24-2006, 06:14 AM

My son is hardly ever with anyone other than us. He is high functioning autistic but, we don't treat him any differently than we did our other two I think that is very important. He is responsible for keeping his room clean and a few other chores around the house.

The one I'm thinking about getting for him is free online and of course he would share our minutes for an additional $10 a month. I'm still debating whether or not to get it. This phone only calls the numbers that you program into it.

Anyway we will see. If he is with me and he wants to call his dad, or one of his grandmothers than he can use it instead of mine and vice versa. We are talking it over to see if it would be worth the additional $10 a month.

I will let you know what we decide.

Thanks everyone.

Kathryn_V · 10-24-2006, 08:34 AM

I also added my daughter to my family share plan with Verizon....

I looked into the MIGO phone... Did you know??? You can subscribe to the GPS locator service for like 10 bucks a month and you can track your child 24 hours a day??? You tell the where they can be... set you peramiters and if they stray you'll know! You can look them up! And you can watch their movement in real time!!!

I was like... How many wives will be buying a MIGO just to throw under the seat of hubby's car??? Just to track their movements??? lol

Think about it... 10 bucks a month and you have a tracking device???

WOW! Now thats scary!

But to keep tabs on your kid... Thats AWESOME!!! What if they were taken?? And you could track them?? What if they were lost?? The what if's are endless.... Its an awesome and powerful tool!

The offered it a couple of months ago when I was looking at phones for Kate... I am not sure if they had it on line or not?? I saw it in the store. it was really cool!

10-23-2006, 07:18 AM	#1
shecass YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North wilkesboro, NC Posts: 2,785	Firefly phone for kids. I'm debating about getting the firefly phone for my son. He is only 10, I may wait another year before I get it. I was just wondering if anyone has one of these for their kids and if you like them. __________________ Sheila, Mollie & Wyatt Ethan my pride and joy Mollie www.dogster.com/?176293 Wyatt www.dogster.com/?205723

10-23-2006, 08:10 AM	#2
StewiesMom Stewie Rox the Sox Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,306	I think they're a good idea A couple of my cousins have them and they're handy for kids who walk home from school alone or are out playing in the neighborhood with friends. I only have one concern w/ kids & cell phones. A little 8 yo girl lives in my apt building and she walks home from her dance classes alone in the dark @ 7:30 everyday. She is ALWAYS blabbing away on her cell phone to her friends with her ear piece in. I think that if a parent is going to give one to their kids, they shouldn't program their friend's numbers in there because it is unsafe for kids to be walking home alone in the dark in the 1st place, plus with that added distraction of chatting away, it becomes much more dangerous. __________________ Kristy & Stewie

10-23-2006, 10:26 AM	#6
Rae Rae YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,823	I think it's a great idea! There's so many dangers in todays world, cell phones can really save lives! And with these kid phones you don't have to worry about them going over on the minutes or anything. __________________ Owned by Rocky and Bella

10-23-2006, 10:26 AM	#7
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	We bought one for our Daughter she is 6. For older kids I would just buy a regular phone because the firefly is so basic. We can program in who she can call and who she can get calls from though. Hers is on our Family plan __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-23-2006, 11:02 AM	#8
Erin Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 3,306	I work at a school and all the kids have cell phones. Our policy is that they need to be OFF during the day - if they ring we take them - and they cannot "chat" on the bus with them. My advice is buy a CHEAP one because they get lost and stolen and just lay down the rules and stick to them. Cell phones are for the parent's convenience and the kid's safety ONLY until they can pay for it themselves. __________________ Erin, Sammy & Loki Sewing patterns and tutorials @ www.dogundermydesk.com

10-23-2006, 08:54 AM	#3
Cheska's Bella YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 681	We bought my daughter one (a migo) when she was eight (she's nine now). It's nice, you program in 4 numbers that she can call. My cell, Adam's cell, the house phone, and my Mom (her Grandma). Anyone who has the number can call her, which is kind of nice because then if I'm at work or whatever, I can still call her even though it's not one of the four numbers set in her phone, but she can't call just anyone.

10-23-2006, 10:21 AM	#4
ssguzzy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 128	I think they are great idea!! I dont let my younger kids out without our supervision but when we go out to amusment parks or the malls we have walkie talkies that we use. I want to get the firefly's though it seems easier to use. My 12 year old has a cell phone but he is only allowed to use it to check in with and he so far has respected his usage on it. Let us know if you get them and how you like them!!

10-23-2006, 11:31 AM	#10
Ponyup YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 1,252	My mom got one for my grandpa. He is getting up there in the years, but still lives at home & spends time alone. She programed emergency numbers in there so he can call for help at the touch of a buttom. It also has a big button that dials 911. It's very cute. she just added it as another line onto her phone, I think it's like $10 a month. __________________ Ponyup Mom to LOGAN

10-23-2006, 08:17 PM	#12
Lexi's_Mommy ~GirlieGirls~ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,293	My daughters are 7 and 12, both have a cell phone. My oldest got her first cell phone when she was 9. They don't even go to my moms without it. __________________ Tricia ~ mommy to Alexis, Victoria, & Candise www.TriciaMartinPhotography.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosbytricia/sets/

10-24-2006, 06:14 AM	#14
shecass YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North wilkesboro, NC Posts: 2,785	My son is hardly ever with anyone other than us. He is high functioning autistic but, we don't treat him any differently than we did our other two I think that is very important. He is responsible for keeping his room clean and a few other chores around the house. The one I'm thinking about getting for him is free online and of course he would share our minutes for an additional $10 a month. I'm still debating whether or not to get it. This phone only calls the numbers that you program into it. Anyway we will see. If he is with me and he wants to call his dad, or one of his grandmothers than he can use it instead of mine and vice versa. We are talking it over to see if it would be worth the additional $10 a month. I will let you know what we decide. Thanks everyone. __________________ Sheila, Mollie & Wyatt Ethan my pride and joy Mollie www.dogster.com/?176293 Wyatt www.dogster.com/?205723

10-24-2006, 08:34 AM	#15
Kathryn_V Out to Spoil the World! Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Palm Springs, California Posts: 2,709	I also added my daughter to my family share plan with Verizon.... I looked into the MIGO phone... Did you know??? You can subscribe to the GPS locator service for like 10 bucks a month and you can track your child 24 hours a day??? You tell the where they can be... set you peramiters and if they stray you'll know! You can look them up! And you can watch their movement in real time!!! I was like... How many wives will be buying a MIGO just to throw under the seat of hubby's car??? Just to track their movements??? lol Think about it... 10 bucks a month and you have a tracking device??? WOW! Now thats scary! But to keep tabs on your kid... Thats AWESOME!!! What if they were taken?? And you could track them?? What if they were lost?? The what if's are endless.... Its an awesome and powerful tool! The offered it a couple of months ago when I was looking at phones for Kate... I am not sure if they had it on line or not?? I saw it in the store. it was really cool! __________________ Kathryn, Pixie and Chynna