Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 20
Designing Mobile
Phones for Children:
Is there a Difference?
Janet C. Read
University of Central Lancashire, UK
ABSTRACT
The mobile phone is one of the most ubiquitous technologies in the developed world. In a market domi-
nated by adults and older teenagers, one group of users that is relatively new to the mobile phone market
is children. When children use mobile phones their needs are sometimes complicated by, or conflict with,
the needs of their parents or primary care givers. As the laptop is being redesigned to make it accessible
to children, it is worthwhile to ask the question 'Do children need a different sort of mobile phone than
their parents?' By considering data about the use and usage of mobile phones, research on designing
special children's technologies, and research on the needs of children as mobile phone users, this paper
presents the argument that the mobile phone needs a design re-think if it is to meet the needs of children.
INTRODUCTION
younger teen can be considered a child—but in
general, the four terms are used to demonstrate
an age line in which children are more likely to
be under 11, young teens might be 11-14, older
teens might be 14-19 and adults would be 18+.
As users of mobile technology, these four groups
have different approaches, different needs, and
different use patterns.
To assist the reader in parsing this paper, the
terms children, young teens, older teens, and
adults are used to describe different user groups.
These terms are not used exclusively—thus an
older teen can also be considered an adult and a
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