My oldest child just turned seven last week and, believe it or not, asked for his own cell phone for his birthday! I surely won't buy him one yet - but soon the pressures are going to be too much and I'll have to give in and get him one.

Coincidently, a friend of mine recently introduced me to a company that specializes in cell phones for kids - Firefly Mobile at www.fireflymobile.com.

What makes this device intriguing is three things:

• It is a pay-as-you-go service, i.e. no monthly fees.
• It limits the numbers that may be called and who may call your child.
• It's a simple five button interface that's small enough for a child to use and easily fit into their pocket.

The phone retails for $99 on FireFly's website and also is available at Target.

It also comes with 30 free minutes which is nice and should last for awhile if your child is only using it for emergencies. If not, additional minutes are 25 cents per minute, so it won't break the bank.