UAE | General
Mobile phones for children irk parents
Parents are irritated that children are being targeted by Disney which recently launched its new line of mobile phones, making it even more difficult to refuse cell phones to children.
- By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 December 16, 2006
- Image Credit: Gulf News
- Research shows that children as young as eight are big mobile users. Disney's new phones cost Dh399.
Dubai: Parents are irritated that children are being targeted by Disney which recently launched its new line of mobile phones, making it even more difficult to refuse cell phones to children.
Research shows that children as young as eight are big mobile users. Disney's new phones cost Dh399.
Anita Ailani, mother of two, said children in the UAE do not need mobile phones as much as kids in other countries.
"Parents still chauffeur their kids here around most of the time and children do not have to battle public transport to get to school, clubs or friend's houses. There is no need for young children to have mobile phones. My youngest is eight and he has been asking me for a phone for a year, but I think he is too young," said Ailani.
"My eldest has a phone. We gave it to him when he was 14 because he was starting to get about by himself," said Ailani.
Jacqueline Khale, mother of eight-year-old Nakhil, said mobile phones should not be launched for children and her son does not need one as at his age communication is done through school.
"If there are any problems, the school can contact us. I lost him in the supermarket the other day but he went by himself to the security guard and told him he had to call his mum.
"We have taught him from a young age that if he has a problem and he is by himself he should look for a security guard or someone in uniform," she added.
Your comments
I asked my dad for a cellphone when I was 11. He bought me one and I kept it as a kind of fashion at that time, but they could also contact me when ever they wanted, so we can't call cell phones useless for kids since they may also be helpful at times.
Juned
Dubai,UAE
My son, at the age of five, likes to use my mobile phone. He knows how to operate it better than me, but I personally will not buy any mobile phone for him at this age and maybe for the next five years. A mobile is not a necessity at his age.
Jasreen
Ajman,UAE
I am 25 years old now. I got my first mobile at the age of 19. My parents have followed the same trend for my brother and sisters. Having a mobile for kids will ruin them, and they end up in many problems. I have seen many cases.
Shams
Dubai,UAE
We are living in the 21st century, which is the age of technology. I don't see the harm in giving kids new phones as long as you keep an eye on them. My son will be getting one of the phones for Christmas. He is 7 years old. He will be given a credit limit and will not be allowed to take the phone to school. I don't let my kids outside the front door without me so they are under supervision 24/7.
Fay
Ajman,UAE
I have three children ? ages 8, 9 and 12. They all have cell phones and it is very helpful. I can keep track of them and I can know their whereabouts while I am at work.
Marzouk
Dubai,UAE
Mobile phones for kids is not acceptable. The kids will misuse this opportunity and they will be misguided.
Mariam
Sharjah,UAE
No need of mobile phones for children up to 14 years old ? even if they cite going alone any where as the reason for needing such phones. The child must first be matured enough to handle the set with care.
Prathibha
Dubai,UAE
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