Re:preprogrammed phones for kids? (Score 1)

Mobile devices doesn't fix bad parenting. The kid should be taught how to stick to the parents and what to do in event of being separated. When I went out as a kid with my parents, my dad would decide on an obvious meeting place as we stepped out of the car or entering the mall. When I was even younger (<10), mom would hold my hands.

I kind of understand why kids like to wander off as they're easily attracted by interetsing (they think) stuffs. If mom and dad don't response to the "hey mom, look! that's cool! mom. mom? ...", the kid will then go and check it out him/herself.

Getting back to cellphones. If the kid is away from the family for most of the time and not being at a few fixed places (e.g. home, school, grandma's, Tom's) he'll probably need one.