What cell phones and MP3 players are appropriate for 'tweens?

Parents, let’s face it: Your kids are smarter than you when it comes to technology. I’m not talking about your 16-year-old, either; chances are the 9-year-old in your life is more adept with Google than you and knows exactly which apps your iPhone needs. This isn’t anything to be too alarmed about, since every generation is quicker to absorb and utilize the technology of their time than the previous one. The real problems arise when that same 9-year-old is dying for a $600 phone.

That situation, of course, calls for a gentle “No way.” But there’s no reason to say no to all gadgets. It can be quite beneficial—and perhaps even incumbent upon you—to teach tweens the appropriate ways to use and care for consumer electronics. There are a good number of gadgets out there for 9- to 14-year-olds that straddle the line between cutting-edge toys and useful electronics, making them good entry-level items for kids who are interested in tech.

Cell phones tend to be at the top of a lot of kids’ wish lists, not only because they allow them to stay in touch with their friends (and you) but also because they’re status symbols. For a first-time phone, you don’t need to get something with all the bells and whistles attached: As long as it can easily make and receive calls, you’re in good shape. Several brands out there make dedicated phones for kids, like Firefly Mobile and the LG Migo ($49.99). They’re short on features, but their layouts are designed for easy navigation and include programmable buttons for speed dialing Mom, Dad, and emergency numbers. Firefly’s phones run the gamut from a calls-only device called the glowPhone ($49.99) to the 'tween-friendly flyPhone ($99.99), which includes text messaging, multimedia support, and a camera. Interestingly, these devices are very similar to the Jitterbug ($147), a cell phone designed with the elderly in mind. The screen displays huge numbers, the menus are extremely simple, and (like the LG Migo) it works well with a hearing aid. It’s like the circle of life, except with mobile devices!

Kajeet is another manufacturer that has a wider range of phones with more feature sets, along with pay-as-you-go plans. Many of these phones also have built-in GPS, so you’ll be able to get a fix on your child’s location if you can’t get in touch with him. Alternately, buying a very cheap and feature-lite phone from your cell provider is another way to make sure you’re not investing a lot of cash into a device that could easily end up buried underneath the swing set or lost forever on a field trip.

Speaking of “status symbol,” an MP3 player like the iPod touch or Zune HD can also be very appealing. If you and your kid are looking for something to keep her entertained during long car trips and on the school bus, downgrading to an iPod Nano could be the answer. She’ll still be able to enjoy all her music and videos, and you can feel a little more secure that if dropped or trampled upon, it’ll hold up a bit better than its larger counterpart. If video isn’t a necessity (and your kid hasn’t yet been indoctrinated by the Cult of Mac), the Peapod Toys SweetPea3 ($59.95), SanDisk Sansa Clip ($21.99), and the Creative Zen Stone ($63.99) are all high-quality options that are both durable and easy on the wallet.

Tags: cell phones, gadegets, kids, mp3 players, parenting, technology, tweens

Veronica Belmont is a technology and gaming-centric video host based out of San Francisco. Currently her projects include Qore (a monthly interactive magazine about the PS3 for Sony) and Tekzilla (a weekly tech help and how-to show on Revision3.com). She also writes a biweekly column for MaximumPC called Trending Topics.

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