Teddyfone

[alisonbestford]

Does anyone have any experience of the new Teddyfones?

http://www.teddyfone.com/

Whilst I'm not normally an advocate of young children having mobile phones, as a result of our family circumstances, I'm considering buying a Teddyfone for DD (almost 8)

I really don't want to open up a debate about mobile phones, safety and parental responsibilities but was wondering if anyone either had, or knew of someone who had used the phone?

Thanks for any help

 

[jen_uk]

I think it looks great! Dont know anyone that has one so I cant give any advice but it seems like a great idea. Only problem I can see is maybe the design of the phone which is very babyish and maybe after a year or two kids would feel embarrassed to have it!

 

[Cyrano]

I think it looks great! Dont know anyone that has one so I cant give any advice but it seems like a great idea. Only problem I can see is maybe the design of the phone which is very babyish and maybe after a year or two kids would feel embarrassed to have it!

Only comment I'd say is that I think my DD who has just turned 9 would think it is something for her younger sister to play with so agree with Jen

 

[kkymmy]

great concept for kids who are still that bit too young for full mobile use. maybe the company could bring out one that looks more like a phone, but still with the same restricted capabilities

 

[natalielongstaff]

i have just brought dd (8) a mobile for xmas and i opted for an old nokia 3330 cause it was cheap and wouldnt be worth stealing

that might be a cheaper option

 

[alisonbestford]

Have to agree that I did have reservations about it appearing a little babyish myself

Initially I thought of using it as a 'look after this for a year and you can have a real phone' type of thing but we do have a couple of old contract phones, in the drawer, that we could maybe just buy a sim card for

Thanks for all your input

 

[T16GEM]

I think DH is hoping that they still do these when Shelby is big enough for one, I think they are a good idea and as they don't actually look like a phone they won't attract attention from the wrong kind of people.

 

[Cyrano]

Have to agree that I did have reservations about it appearing a little babyish myself

Initially I thought of using it as a 'look after this for a year and you can have a real phone' type of thing but we do have a couple of old contract phones, in the drawer, that we could maybe just buy a sim card for

Thanks for all your input

This is probably the better option

 

[shellbell]

I have to agree with the others, It does look a bit babyish. There are some great little phones out there that you can pick up. Why not ask her what she thinks of the phone then decide from there what to do.

 

[alisonbestford]

I have to agree with the others, It does look a bit babyish. There are some great little phones out there that you can pick up. Why not ask her what she thinks of the phone then decide from there what to do.

She'll want the one with the best games..............

 

[kkymmy]

don't give her that option....give her teddy phone or designated ex contract phone...one or the other, or neither!

 

[alisonbestford]

It has to be one or the other so she gets the choice of 3 old contract phones

 

[wils]

I'm sure there was a catch to this one - like they forever hounded you to take out an expensive contract - I'll try and see if I can find where I read about it.

If I don't post back it's because I can't find anything and probably imagined it!

Ok, the concern to be very expensive tariffs and the T&Cs which seemed to suggest that the phone might need to be returned at the end of contract and, if it was damaged you would be liable for the repair.

I am sure it's all on the site just read everything carefully

 

[alisonbestford]

I'm sure there was a catch to this one - like they forever hounded you to take out an expensive contract - I'll try and see if I can find where I read about it.

If I don't post back it's because I can't find anything and probably imagined it!

Ok, the concern to be very expensive tariffs and the T&Cs which seemed to suggest that the phone might need to be returned at the end of contract and, if it was damaged you would be liable for the repair.

I am sure it's all on the site just read everything carefully

Thanks Jo

I fully expected there to be something in the terms and conditions but I never got as far as reading them after considering everyone's opinions and deciding that an old contract phone was the way to go

Talking to a friend, the other day, I was saying that it wouldn't surprise me if the terms stated having to keep the phone after the initial 2 year 'free line rental' period. As the phone is aimed at 4-10 year olds what child of that age is going to be careful enough not to lose/damage the phone and incur extra charges?

Redundant contract phone and a new, PAYG, sim it is then