Special Report: Kids and Cell Phones

Kathy Lewis - Mother
"It’s a difficult world and you need to be able to get a hold of your mom or dad if there’s an emergency or just you know to let people know where you are."

But now cell phone companies are looking for ways to keep kids connected without the burden of an 'adult' cell phone.

Don Deubler - FireFly Mobile
"You've got a phone book key that holds up to 20 numbers in it. A mom key, a dad key, and then a talk and an end key."

Don Deubler is the founder of fire fly mobile. He says their phones rings like your typical cell phone and has minutes like other pre-paid phones but that’s where the similarities end.

Don Deubler - FireFly Mobile
"We've actually designed the phone so that it's down to 5 buttons."

Its just one of the handful of kid friendly phones that are hitting the market this fall - - putting parents in charge of the minutes, contacts and of course...the bill

Kathy Lewis - Mother
"They all do cheerleading so it would be good for them to have when you know to be picked up to call when they get out from school to let me know when they're getting home from school and just in general emergencies."

While some parents are hip to the idea others think kids are too young to be so connected

Concerned Grandparent
"I think its uh i think its a little too much for a child...you gotta use a phone your kids are too far away from you."

However, most agree that in todays technology driven world, cell phones meant for Kids are simply the next step

Cell Phone User
"I think its um cool to have one like this... because its not like an actual cell phone but its still a cell phone so you can say you have one."

Kids may see it as a cool accessory - - but for parents, its a little peace of mind. Juli Auclair 7 news.

(Copyright (c) 2005 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)