Kids are being raised with (by?) phones and pads. Kids, inevitably, want their own way before they’re ready. As a parenting tool, they can be useful, as a way to stay in touch and monitor where the kids have gotten themselves to. But only a loon would hand a little kid an expensive phone and expect the phone to survive.
FILIP is an interesting middle ground. It’s a big kid-size wrist-worn limited-function cell phone. Parents can program it with five phone numbers that the kid can call. The phone can accept text messages (though I don’t see how the phone can send them), and parents can set up geofences that generate messages when the kid enters or leaves.
There’s also a well-thought-out emergency button. When activated, the phone sends a text to all five numbers, including location data; it starts recording ambient sound; it calls the programmed phone number in succession until someone answers; and if no one does, it calls 911. Smart.
Pricing and availability aren’t announced. AT&T will be the carrier.
