I really don't think that childlen should start toting cell phones before they are even in high school. As I graduate from college this year I remember that I got my first cell phone 5 short years ago. I had no need for a cell phone before that because I was too busy being a kid. A child with a cell phone is just putting more adult responsibilities on a child than they need to have. What is wrong with the pay-phone in the school lobby? Cell phones are just one more thing that distracts children from being a kid.

I got a cell phone back in 1993 when I satred driving. My grandmother made me keep it with me and turned on in case of emergencies. I never needed it but it was nice to be able to call my parents or grandmother and let them know if I was running late. Now my 15 year-old brother has one and texts all the time. The one person who cannever reach him - our mom. I think kids are getting them way too early. If it is used for safety, that's one thing,but beyond that - wait until college. And make the kids chip in for the cost of anything but the bare minimum.

LONG-TERM CELL PHONE USE INCREASES BRAIN TUMOR RISK

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Using a cell phone for more than a decade can
double the risk of some brain tumors, according to a new analysis of
previous studies.

The findings "give a consistent pattern of increased risk for acoustic
neuroma and glioma," Dr. Lennart Hardell of University Hospital in Orebro,
Sweden and colleagues write, with the greatest risk seen on the side of the
head where the mobile phone was held.

Acoustic neuromas are benign growths on the nerve linking the ear to the
brain, while gliomas are malignant, difficult-to-treat tumors of the brain
and nervous system.

"These results are certainly of biological relevance." The greatest risk was
for tumors located in the area of the brain with the most exposure and the
study periods allowed enough time for tumors to develop, the researchers
note.

They add that "longer follow-up is needed, however, as an increased risk for
other types of brain tumors cannot be ruled out."

Using "old fashioned" plug-in ear pieces (vs wireless) can at least keep the antenna away from one's head. It can be used with cell phones & cordless phones, which are actually equivalent to cell phones, just with a closer broadcasting "tower." We have an old-fashioned heavy black rotary phone. It was the only house phone that worked when the power went out!

I still don't have a cell phone and I am 24. I reallly can't afford it and it is not something I really need. People can survive witout them.

Maybe I shouldn't admit it, but I have actually thought about getting a Firefly for my 6 year old son. Not because he's asking for a phone, or because he "needs" to talk to anyone. But for emergencies. How frustrated would I be if, heaven forbid, he couldn't reach me when he needed to? With a limited use phone like the Firefly, I feel like he would have the confidence that mom and dad are a call away.

Will I buy it? Probably not - more because I'm worried about the judgment from other parents than potential abuse by my son!