Parents will now be able to control kids phones

[Captain Morgan]

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/afp/usitsocietytelecomautotaserces

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Stun gun maker Taser wants to help parents, not with jolts of electricity but with a tool which allows parents to effectively take over a child's mobile phone and manage its use.

"Basically we're taking old fashioned parenting and bringing it into the mobile world," Taser chairman and co-founder Tom Smith said at the Consumer Electronics Show here, where the Arizona company unveiled the new product.

"Because when you give your child his mobile phone you don't know who they're talking to, what they're sending or texting, all of those things," Smith told AFP.

The phone application, called "Mobile Protector," allows a parent to screen a child's incoming and outgoing calls and messages, block particular numbers and even listen in on a conversation.

A dashboard on a parent's phone or a personal computer shows the mobiles being monitored and the permitted callers such as friends and family.

"You can start it out very restrictive and then as they get older you can relax those restrictions as that trust factor's gained," Smith said.

An alert is triggered when an unknown number calls a child's phone.

"I can click on this and it's going to say here's the person's who's calling," Smith said.

"I can either choose to block that call, allow that call or even answer that call and find out who it is before I release it through to my child.

"If it's Grandma, who I forgot to add, I can just click 'always allow' and I'll never see that alert again," he said.

Smith said that when listening in on a call "it's going to announce that to both parties." "We're not doing spyware. This is a collaboration effort," he said.

Smith said text messages, emails, photos and videos can be screened for inappropriate language or pornographic content. "You can see the image and decide whether you want to let it go through or not," he said.

Mobile Protector also allows a parent to disable a phone for a specified period.

"I see so many parents trying to wrestle with their kids to try to get them off the phone during dinner," he said. "You can punch this and say 'You know what, for the next hour your phone's not going to work during dinner.'

"Or, if they get in trouble you can say 'You know what, you're grounded, for 48 hours your phone doesn't work,'" he said.

GPS capability brings up a map showing where a child -- or at least their phone -- is at any given time. "In college I don't need to know where you currently are but for young kids I want to see where they are," he said.

Mobile Protector also has an "emergency feature" that could help locate a missing child, Smith said.

"I can call up 'records release' and it's going to take all of the data -- last known location, phone numbers, texts everything -- and that's going to go to the local authorities," he said.

Along with Mobile Protector, Taser is also releasing a tool known as "Driver Protector" designed to cut back on mobile phone use while behind the wheel. It requires special hardware in the vehicle and a Bluetooth connection.

"If it's a first time driver it's going to disable the phone so they can't text while driving or use the phone," Smith said. "As they get older, we can enable it so they have hands-free talking but still no texting while driving.

"Maybe it will alert me when they go over 90 miles an hour (145 kilometers an hour)," he said. "It's really going to be up to the parent how much they want to limit or not limit."

Smith said Mobile Protector and Driver Protector will be available this summer and will be a subscription service costing between 10 and 30 dollars a month depending on the selected options.

Smith noted that other companies have released similar tools but said "nobody's put the whole thing together" like Taser.

[sherri_chickie]

Sounds good in theory, and I like the idea of being able to monitor a kids cell phone, but I don't think I would give a phone to a kid I did not trust anyhow. I worry that it would be misused by jealous spouses or companies monitoring their employees calls.

[Kaneman]

No thanks on that, if I want my kid to know I don't trust anything he does or says I'll just tell him to his face.

[BobTheBiker]

this just sounds 100% like kaneman said, just says you dont trust your kid at all.

[Amorok]

I don't trust my kid, but at least with this he'll have a fair chance to earn my trust or prove me right, whichever happens. And when he does something stupid I'll catch it and there is that life lesson for him, all ready to go.

Also, it'll help me filter the rest of the world, and I don't trust the rest of the world at all. I'm not going to coddle him or never let him live his own life but while he's young I want to know what's going on at least.

[fatbuckRTO]

Parents who trust their kids generally don't know their kids. Or kids, period.

[t-homo]

For sure. Kids who are kept in a bubble until they hit college are much better off.

[Captain Morgan]

For sure. Kids who are kept in a bubble until they hit college are much better off.

:lol: I won't keep my little girl in a bubble because I know full well what the results of that are...

I'm going to do my best to raise her so she knows about life and the various pitfalls and hope to hell I arm her with the right amount of knowledge to make the best decisions, without giving her too much info on some things. I know she'll make mistakes, as we all do, but hope to hell her mistakes aren't so huge they screw up a good life for her.

[Kaneman]

I trust my kid to go out on his own, do stupid things, make mistakes, and learn to be a productive and responsible adult. I recognize an inherent risk or death or disability is possible when he leaves the house therefore I educate, guide, explain, demonstrate and so forth. Even children are to be held accountable for their own decisions to a point.

As far as the cell phone, I pay the bill so I need to see the minute usage...but I do not need to screen the contents of text messages or incoming/outcoming calls. Then again, I don't leash him when we go out in public.

[Homeslice]

Wow, how dumb. Sooner or later they are going to come out with implanted chips with microphones. And then 50 years after that, they'll combine that with a device that allow parents to see everything their kids see.

Technologies like this allows parents to slack off and not worry about being good parents. They don't bother teaching their kid anything about life.......They just rely on monitoring systems like as if they're a dog or cat.

[azoomm]

I trust my kid to go out on his own, do stupid things, make mistakes, and learn to be a productive and responsible adult. I recognize an inherent risk or death or disability is possible when he leaves the house therefore I educate, guide, explain, demonstrate and so forth. Even children are to be held accountable for their own decisions to a point.

As far as the cell phone, I pay the bill so I need to see the minute usage...but I do not need to screen the contents of text messages or incoming/outcoming calls. Then again, I don't leash him when we go out in public.

Silly person and your accountibility...

Kidding, I completely agree. :dthumb:

[karl_1052]

How long until a hacker is able to send this to random peoples phones, and take them over?

[Trip]

Better idea, just don't give your kid a cell phone if it is that much of a problem. If you really "NEED" to give them one, give them one of those little Meego's or whatever they are called now that only let you call/be called by 4 programmed numbers of the parents choosing.

[Avatard]

I trust my kid to go out on his own, do stupid things, make mistakes, and learn to be a productive and responsible adult. I recognize an inherent risk or death or disability is possible when he leaves the house therefore I educate, guide, explain, demonstrate and so forth. Even children are to be held accountable for their own decisions to a point.

As far as the cell phone, I pay the bill so I need to see the minute usage...but I do not need to screen the contents of text messages or incoming/outcoming calls. Then again, I don't leash him when we go out in public.

But Josh, don't you think it's better to protect them, screen their calls, filter their Internet, and keep them from all things that can possibly harm them safely in a bubble...until such time that they set out on their own (like at college), and then they can suddenly discover everything for themselves, overindulge, binge, act recklessly, and go completely off the rails without supervision??

It seems to be the prevailing wisdom...

:skep:

[CasterTroy]

Kids are like snowflakes...no 2 are the same :idk:

I've got one that I can rely on to do the right thing 99% of the time. And if there's a question....they asked me what to do. I literally could have left a running chainsaw on the coffee table when they were a toddler and they would have never touched it.

I've got one that blazes a trail of their own regardless of the imput they're given or direction. They're doing it her their whether you like it or not.

And I've got one that you can tell how to do something 50 times....and you THINK they heard you...but when they get down to it, have to ask you 3 more times before they "get it"

I have to use 3 different parenting styles all the time.

I say all that because what works for YOUR child won't work for every child. So for someone to be all smug and think they've got the perfect answer for everyone, and that all OTHER parenting styles are stupid....well....ignorant is the NICEST thing that could be said about that person.

[Amorok]

http://www.blogcdn.com/mobile.engadget.com/media/2007/04/4-13-07-firefly_migo.jpg
FTW

[Trip]

http://www.blogcdn.com/mobile.engadget.com/media/2007/04/4-13-07-firefly_migo.jpg
FTW

yep, if your kid must a cell phone and can't pay for the thing themselves, get em one of these. Kids don't need cellphones, did you have a cell phone growing up?

[Amorok]

We didn't have a home phone when I was a kid.

[Kaneman]

yep, if your kid must a cell phone and can't pay for the thing themselves, get em one of these. Kids don't need cellphones, did you have a cell phone growing up?

I'd prefer my kid had an even better life then I did growing up, you know?

[Trip]

I'd prefer my kid had an even better life then I did growing up, you know?

How's a cell phone going to make their life better? That's pretty materialistic outlook. Giving them shit in a fucking hand basket will not make their life better and has a good possibility of making their life worse.

[Kaneman]

How's a cell phone going to make their life better? That's pretty materialistic outlook. Giving them shit in a fucking hand basket will not make their life better and has a good possibility of making their life worse.

Hold on dude, you're making some assumptions here. The largest being that my kid doesn't work his ass off for everything he gets. He may only be 6 but you better believe he sweats when he does chores, yard-work, or whatever I tell him to do. No, I'm not kidding, everyone pulls their weight in this home.

Aside from that, a cell phone isn't just a material object it is a connection to the entire world from wherever you are. Personally, NOT being able to get in touch with someone got me in some fucked up situations as a kid...try 16 years old in a tricked out car with rims and completely LOST in East St. Louis. Or jumping a half-pipe with friends on BMX bikes and having one hit his head. I could go on forever, but you get the idea.

Safety issues aside, cell phones and part of our fabric now. There was a time when people were saying that kids didn't need electricity because it wasn't around when they were young. From my POV having a cell phone is as essential to my daily life as a wallet. When he's old enough to start going places on his own or with friends then he can earn a phone.

[Trip]

Hold on dude, you're making some assumptions here. The largest being that my kid doesn't work his ass off for everything he gets. He may only be 6 but you better believe he sweats when he does chores, yard-work, or whatever I tell him to do. No, I'm not kidding, everyone pulls their weight in this home.

Aside from that, a cell phone isn't just a material object it is a connection to the entire world from wherever you are. Personally, NOT being able to get in touch with someone got me in some fucked up situations as a kid...try 16 years old in a tricked out car with rims and completely LOST in East St. Louis. Or jumping a half-pipe with friends on BMX bikes and having one hit his head. I could go on forever, but you get the idea.

Safety issues aside, cell phones and part of our fabric now. There was a time when people were saying that kids didn't need electricity because it wasn't around when they were young. From my POV having a cell phone is as essential to my daily life as a wallet. When he's old enough to start going places on his own or with friends then he can earn a phone.

A 6 year old kid doesn't need a cell phone, period.

I didn't grow up with a cell phone either and managed to survive so of the shit I got myself into. A cell phone is a material object.

A cell phone isn't essential to the daily life of a child. Kids and Adults still don't "need" electricity. It's a luxury.

[Kaneman]

A 6 year old kid doesn't need a cell phone, period.

I didn't grow up with a cell phone either and managed to survive so of the shit I got myself into. A cell phone is a material object.

A cell phone isn't essential to the daily life of a child. Kids and Adults still don't "need" electricity. It's a luxury.

Jesus Christ you're right. Think of how much money I'll be able to save without paying the electric bill. I won't have to redeem our Six Flags season passes either, since a kid can survive without rollercoasters. Guess I can also check birthdays, Christmas, sleep-overs, camping, shooting, wrestling and remote controlled helicopters off the list too. Dude, you're going to make me a fortune.

[azoomm]

You know what? I've been accused of creating materialistic children. I was accused of this by their step-mother. I asked her the same question Josh just did. I have teenagers - and while it's not a NEED to have a cell phone, it's really fucking cool to have a cell phone. So, you know what? For the small price to pay, my kids will have a cell phone. Not only is it cool - but I can get hold of them at any time I need to.

They still know that when I say "Be home by dark" that means, when the street lights come on... it's DARK out, and they better be home. OR, they call first.

I believe in giving them some space. Because I DO trust them, they have earned it. Maybe it's a bit of - here, have some rope that I hope you won't hang yourself with. But, I'd rather do that than put them in a bubble. :idk:

You're right though, no six year old needs a cell phone. Mine didn't have phones until they were in middle school... my youngest just got one and she's 12. I use allowances on her, she has an unlimitted profile but I set limits to when and how much she can use. By doing that, even if she is over her limit she can ALWAYS call myself or my husband.

I once looked at my 15-year-old's text messages. Not only did I feel horrible for spying without cause, I thought my head would explode. Do you know what they text all day?? NOTHING. Absolutely nothing that would lead to anything more than "What are you doing? - nothing - Idk - Hi - what?" :blah::blah::blah:

Don't look... you don't want to.

[Rider]

My 13yo son has a cell phone but we have placed a lot of restrictions on it. He can't use the phone during dinner. When he goes to bed ever night his phone must be in the kitchen on the charger. Family time comes first. If we are having family time, his phone gets turned off and put away. His school doesn't allow cell phone usage during school hours so he leaves it in his locker all day. All users in his address book must be approved by us and we randomly browse his history. We also take his phone away if he is acting like an ass.

Now does he need a phone, no but it has been convenient on numerous occasions when he is at the skateboard park, football practice, the movie theater, or at a friends house. He can also reach me any time he wants to just bs if he wants to, which he does often. So the bottom line is for now I don't see this application helping us in our situation. The driver protector does but I won't have to worry about that for 3 more years.

[Trip]

Jesus Christ you're right. Think of how much money I'll be able to save without paying the electric bill. I won't have to redeem our Six Flags season passes either, since a kid can survive without rollercoasters. Guess I can also check birthdays, Christmas, sleep-overs, camping, shooting, wrestling and remote controlled helicopters off the list too. Dude, you're going to make me a fortune.

So basically you are saying you are a pussy and couldn't survive without electricity or christmas. Sucks for you.

[Kaneman]

So basically you are saying you are a pussy and couldn't survive without electricity or christmas. Sucks for you.

Oh I think I have enough guns and outdoors know-how to survive just fine. :lol:

[Homeslice]

All users in his address book must be approved by us and we randomly browse his history.

Just curious, how do you decide who to approve, seeing as how you only know his current friends, not any new ones he makes?

[Rider]

Just curious, how do you decide who to approve, seeing as how you only know his current friends, not any new ones he makes?

Family and friends we know and we know all of his friends or potential friends. I know all the kinds at his middle school. Now if he meets someone outside of school that's another story but he isn't the type of kid to become friends strangers. He is on the shy side.

[Trip]

Oh I think I have enough guns and outdoors know-how to survive just fine. :lol:

no guns, that's too modern. You only get a stick and a rock to sharpen the stick. It's not a very sturdy stick either, you my be able to stab a leaf with it.

[Homeslice]

You know ALL the kids at his middle school? Does this school only have a couple hundred kids?

[Kaneman]

no guns, that's too modern. You only get a stick and a rock to sharpen the stick. It's not a very sturdy stick either, you my be able to stab a leaf with it.

Nucka please. I could go into the woods with nothing but a loin cloth and bring you back a 4 course meal for me, you and all my bitches (you get no bitches) that would last us a month.

[Rider]

You know ALL the kids at his middle school? Does this school only have a couple hundred kids?

300 kids in 7th and 8th.

[azoomm]

You know ALL the kids at his middle school? Does this school only have a couple hundred kids?

For a parent that is involved in their child's life... it's not THAT hard.

[Kaneman]

You know ALL the kids at his middle school? Does this school only have a couple hundred kids?

Its not about actually knowing every single kid at the school, its about being a part of the school's environment and understanding the culture there. If you're a regular parent as Rider seems to be, and you're accepted then you can be "in the know" so to speak.

Like the parents that always used to tag along to all the football games. After a while they just get looked at as cool kids.

[Homeslice]

With that being said.......If you've never actually spoken to Kid #1 due to the fact that he's only 1 out of 300 kids, then I don't see how you can decide he's a safer person than Kid #2 who goes to a different school. Kid #2 might simply be someone who played football against your kid, so who are you to say no you can't talk to him just because he goes to a different school. I know I'm oversimplifying things, but I'm struggling to see how a decision is made here.

[Rider]

With that being said.......If you've never actually spoken to Kid #1 due to the fact that he's only 1 out of 300 kids, then I don't see how you can decide he's a safer person than Kid #2 who goes to a different school. Kid #2 might simply be someone who played football against your kid, so who are you to say no you can't talk to him just because he goes to a different school. I know I'm oversimplifying things, but I'm struggling to see how a decision is made here.

I'm involved a lot with the school. I help coach football, I volunteer to help with fundraisers attend all school functions and such go to the high school football games. I spend a lot of time at the school and I've known these kids for over 5 years. My daughter who is younger has a lot of friends with kids in the same grade as my son. I know who is a good kid and a bad kid at that school. I am also good friends with the high school football coach and he teachers 7th grade math so I get the scoop from him as well. We are lucky enough to be in a school district where most of the parents are very involved with their kids so we also know most of the parents too.

[Kaneman]

With that being said.......If you've never actually spoken to Kid #1 due to the fact that he's only 1 out of 300 kids, then I don't see how you can decide he's a safer person than Kid #2 who goes to a different school. Kid #2 might simply be someone who played football against your kid, so who are you to say no you can't talk to him just because he goes to a different school. I know I'm oversimplifying things, but I'm struggling to see how a decision is made here.

Yes you're oversimplifying and over analyzing. If you really want to know how it works, have a kid. Rider isn't trying to say he knows the darkest secrets of all the kids at the middle school, he's saying he's actively involved in his son's life, gets to know his friends, hangs out, etc. etc.

[Particle Man]

I remember having a party line when I was growing up :lol: