Cell Phones And Children

Cell phones are not just for business tycoons and parents on the run, children are more and more getting their own cell phones.

Elementary aged children are bringing them to school. Many schools are banning cell phones, so your child may not be able to have or use the phone during the time when he is most likely to be away from home.

The Firefly Phone, which is a popular ‘first phone’ for younger kids, is now available from Cingular Wireless, so you could simply add it on to your Family Talk plan.

Although the Firefly Phone is a ‘real, functional cell phone,’ pre-teens and teens likely won’t think so, and they will probably want a regular cell phone.

The positive side of your child having a cell phone is being able to contact them or them being able to contact you in an emergency.

The negative factor is that many children are not using them responsibly. If you are going to buy a cell phone for your child, it’s important to ensure they know what is classified as proper use and what is not proper.

Being able to keep in touch with your child when he or she is not with you is a valuable perk; yet, with the right education on how to use them responsibly they can continue to be a valuable tool for your child.

The Evolution Of Cell Phones

We’ve come a long way from the first cell phones. The concept isn’t a new one; in fact in 1947 Douglas H. Ring and W. Rae Young, Bell Labs engineers, proposed hexagonal cells for mobile phones.

The real launch of the first portable phones was in the early 80’s. At that time only the very wealthy or “well to do” individuals had them.

They were very large and heavy. Not something to be carried in your pant pocket or purse, this was something that weighed a few pounds.

As big as they were though, they didn’t have a clear sound and using them was a hassle. At first, all were designed for permanent installation in vehicles otherwise known as a “car phone”.

Some of these bulky units were soon converted for use as “transportable” phones the size of a briefcase. Motorola introduced the first truly portable, handheld phone.

The first digital cellular phone call was made in the United States in 1990. They shrank considerably.

Cell phones used to be just analog phones, with the sole purpose of providing the consumer with the capability of making and receiving voice calls while on the road.

As technology has advanced so have the capabilities of the cell phone. They don’t just send and receive calls now; they are capable of text messaging, emailing, taking pictures and video clips.

The sizes have gotten smaller yet their abilities have improved.

As we continue to advance, so will the abilities of cell phones. In the next few years, cell phone networks will move data at several megabits per second, and will coexist with WiMax, Wi-Fi, and, for TV, DVB-H or MediaFLO.

Health Concerns Around Cell Phones

Part of the radio waves emitted by a mobile telephone handset is absorbed by the human head.

The radio waves emitted by a GSM handset, (Global System for Mobile Communications) can have a peak power of 2 watts.

An analogue phone has a maximum transmit power of 3.6 watts.

Other digital mobile technologies, such as CDMA and TDMA, use lower output power, typically below 1 watt.

The maximum power output from a mobile phone is regulated by the mobile phone standard it is following and by the regulatory agencies in each country.

Swedish researchers from the University Lund, Salford, Brun, Perrson, Eberhardt and Malmgren, have studied the effects of microwave radiation on the rat brain.

They found a leakage of albumin into brain via a permeated blood-brain barrier.

The rate at which radiation is absorbed by the human body is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and its maximum levels for modern handsets have been set by governmental regulating agencies in many countries.

Some users of mobile handsets have reported feeling several unspecific symptoms during and after its use; ranging from burning and tingling sensations in the skin of the head and extremities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, loss of mental attention, reaction times and memory retentiveness, headaches, malaise, tachycardia (heart palpitations), to disturbances of the digestive system all of which can be attributed to psychological stress.

Although research is still undergoing and it’s not entirely clear what the affects of cell phone use will have, people continue to use it on a grand scale. With research they hope to conclude the affects cell phones use has in the near future.

Cell Phone Etiquette

There is some question on where and when a good time to use your cell phone is and when it’s not appropriate.

Here are some things to remember as suggested by business and etiquette professionals.

1. Never take a personal mobile call during a business meeting. This includes interviews and meetings with co-workers or subordinates.

2. Maintain at least a 10-foot zone from anyone while talking.

3. Never talk in elevators, libraries, museums, restaurants, cemeteries, theaters, dentist or doctor waiting rooms, places of worship, auditoriums or other enclosed public spaces, such as hospital emergency rooms or buses.

And don’t have any emotional conversations in public – ever. People don’t need to know your business and they don’t care to know if you are having an argument with your boyfriend.

4. Don’t use loud and annoying ring tones that destroy concentration and eardrums.

5. Never “multi-task” by making calls while shopping, banking, and waiting in line on conducting other personal business.

6. Keep all cellular congress brief and to the point.

7. Use an earpiece in high-traffic or noisy locations. That lets you hear the amplification, or how loud you sound at the other end, so you can modulate your voice.

8. Tell callers when you’re talking on a mobile, so they can anticipate distractions or disconnections.

9. Demand “quiet zones” and “phone-free areas” at work and in public venues, like the quiet cars on the Amtrak Metroliner.

10. Inform everyone in your mobile address book that you’ve just adopted the new rules for mobile manners. Ask them to do likewise.

Remembering to be courteous of those around you when you are on the phone is a good place to start.

When talking on the phone in public leave your personal information out of the conversation and keep your conversations for necessity purposes only.

Cell Phone Gadgets

Cell phones don’t stand alone anymore. The simple pick it up and dial is history, cell phones offer much, much more than ever.

Aside from the actual use cell phones, the gadgets available now are numerous.

Cell phones have several built in features now. These features may be all-in-one or they may be in different combos.

Depending on your needs and budget will depend on the phone you select.

Your major cell phone merchant will carry items such as; Wireless headsets that you can attach to your ear are used for hands free connection. You can be on the phone and be using both hands for tasks you need to do.

You can purchase a cell phone pouch to encase the phone safely when not in use. Depending on your tastes you can choose from a large assortment of colours and styles.

Depending on the phone and the services provided, downloading ring tones is another gadget or frill available for you to choose from.

Cell phones can also be combined with features such as; photographs, internet/email, messenger, text messaging, video taping, and may be used as an I-pod for downloading and playing music.

There are many possibilities to choose from; knowing what would best suit your needs and desires will help you in making your cell phone selection.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the providers of service and products; when you are ready to make your purchase, you will be well informed and prepared for getting what you want.

Cell Phone Problems

Many people complain about the fact that they are having problems with their cell phones. A simple plan will help mediate the situation.

The number one cell phone complaint happens to be something to do with the battery.

People have problems with calls being cut off or dropped; an annoyance and a frustration for many.

They complain about the fact that they are unable to get a good charge or unable to get a connection at all when in remote places.

Many have been in the habit of putting their cell phone on the charger at night and leaving the unit powered on. This is something that people should not do with their cell phones.

Cell phone providers do not tell users this when they acquire them. A cell phone regularly needs roughly 2-3 hours to fully charge up.

Some might think since the cell phone is on and it’s on the charger that it’s causing an even exchange of energy.

This really isn’t the case because the cell phone uses its actual power whenever someone is talking on the phone, using applications, or sending and receiving text messages.

To face this problem is whenever you’re charging your phone, turn the unit off. This will allow the phone to properly charge eliminating any extra charging.

Replacement phone batteries can cost anywhere from $40-80 dollars. This wouldn’t be necessary if you would charge this as directed.

Some may dispute that they must leave their cell phone on at night to receive any incoming phone calls.

Cell phone manufacturers should develop a way to record missed call while the cell phone is off.

Give your cell phone the break it needs to full recharge and you will find it greatly improves.

Cell Phone Tips

It’s a rare moment when you aren’t in the presence of someone on their cell phone.

If you want to get the most out of your phone here are some ways to maximize your cellular phone’s features and make the most of this practical invention.

1) Manuals are usually fairly long and can be a bit confusing. These manuals however are there to help you understand your phone.

The phone’s features are properly organized into categories, making the manual a breeze to read and understand.

You’ll also be surprised to learn that your phone has many more features than you thought, and probably never would have imagined on a phone.

2) Check out or your cell phone’s manufacturer’s website. This is an excellent and easy-to-use resource in addition to the information you received with your cell phone.

3) Keep the number (usually a toll free number) that will connect you easily to on-call service agents who are standing by the help you with your calling questions, they may also be able to help you decide if you are getting everything you needed.

Also, here are some things you may not have known about your cell phone:

1) You can store a given amount of names and phone numbers into your phone’s memory, allowing you to record a phone book in your cell.

This may be set with specific ring tones and visual displays so you know when they are calling you also.

2) Some phones have a voice-activated dial feature, by simply saying the persons name, it will be prompted to dial the number you desire.

3) Handy little feature is the built in alarm clocks many cell phones have. This is handy for wake-up calls, or simple reminders of other tasks (including short naps).

4) The call forward feature is handy. If you are on the road and want the calls coming into your home to be forwarded to your cell, or if you’d like to have it reversed to the land phone, this feature may be included in your cell phone features.

5) Timer Feature is handy; it allows for you to time the minutes you are using on your phone. If you are on a limited plan, it will help you monitor what’s being used.

6) Vibration vs. Ringing; this feature is handy. If you want people to be able to call you, but, don’t want the ring to disturb others, setting the phone to vibrate instead of ringing may be an option for you to select.

7) If you like games, you’re in luck! This feature may be on your phone as well. If you are in for a long wait somewhere, it may be a fun way to fill the time.

Read your cell phone manual and ask your cell phone provider about the features if you have mor questions.

Choosing The Right Cell Phone Plan

Alright, you have your cell phone in hand, now you need a calling plan. With the competition being what it is now, you will want to consider what your best course of action is.

Do you purchase a Pay-As-You-Go plan, or do you choose from a variety of other plans?

If you are simply using it for day to day “just in case” reasons, a pay as you go may be all you need.

For persons conducting business however, having a plan with unlimited or good rates would be favorable.

Cell phone companies compete for your business and have a variety of plans for the phones they cell.

Shop and compare before you make your selection. Ensuring you have the right plan to meet your cell phone demands will help you as you need.

Some companies will provide the phone for “free” with a calling plan. It’s important to know what the plan entails before signing your contract; you will want to make sure it’s something you are comfortable with and that it’s not a plan you were “talked into” by an over zealous sales agent.

Be selective and ask questions. When you know what you are wanting, then you can check out the competing companies to find the right plan for you.