I think I was 16 years old when I got my first cell phone.  The only reason that my parents got me the phone was because I had gotten my driver's license and they wanted me to have it for emergencies. My phone was very basic, no special ringtones or games for me to download, but it served it's purpose and made me feel like part of the "in crowd"!:)

Kids are always going to want what their friends have and I believe that some cell phone providers are using that to market some of the new phones for kids.

Cingular began offering the Firefly in July of 2005.  This phone allows a child to have immediate access by the push of a button to their parents, the police and EMS.  Their Chief Marketing Officer estimated that the youngest age for a child to have a cell phone has dropped from 8 years old to 6 years old!  Please explain to me what a 6 year old child needs a cell phone for?  I do understand that a lot of parents feel that it is a safety issue but what I do not understand is where would that child be without any adult supervision in case of an emergency? 

Disney also has a phone coming out in June 2006.  The Disney Mobile allows parents to locate their children at the touch of a button, set usage allowances for their children, and restrict kids' phone use. 

Maybe I do not understand because I do not have children or just really believe in the way my parents raised me.  Regardless, I do feel that it is the parents? decision and they know what works best in their families.  So what do you think?  I am looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say, so just take a minute and let us know.