- Despite the health concerns about children using cell
phones, Firefly Mobile has launched the "Firefly" phone, a cell
phone explicitly designed for the pre-teens.
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- British researchers recently reported finding that cell
phone use can produce brain tumors, and warned parents that children under
age eight should not use mobile phones. Their report says heavy use can
lead to tumors in the brain and ears, and further states that up until
now, the risk has largely been understated by most scientists.
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- The Firefly phone is a voice-only phone designed for
the smaller hands of kids aged eight to 12 years old. With just five keys
instead of a regular dial pad, parents use a PIN to program up to 22 outgoing
numbers into the phone, including speed-dial keys for Mom and Dad. The
patented phone lights up like a firefly when in use and intermittently
when in standby mode. It is about the size of a small pocket calculator
and weighs two ounces.
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- Firefly Mobile says that it conducted extensive market
research with parents and children across the USA, and validated their
belief that families need a mobile phone for eight to 12 year olds that
performs basic functions, helps parents maintain financial control and
connects kids with the most important people in their lives.
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- "Firefly Mobile is responding to the needs of the
marketplace and dedicating our efforts to satisfying both parents' and
kids' needs for a functional, controllable and fun mobile phone,"
said Robin Abrams, CEO, Firefly Mobile.
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- "Kids feel greater self confidence when they are
able to communicate, whenever they need to, with important people in their
lives," said Laura Davies, M.D., in a statement released by Firefly.
"For a parent running a full life, it is reassuring to know that whenever
there is a need, they can make direct contact with their child."
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- A study in the international journal Epidemiology in
October last year found that people who have used cell phones for at least
10 years may have an increased risk of developing a rare brain tumor.
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- http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/cell_firefly.html
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