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Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

businessinsider.com

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Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#121

Post by benchloftbrunch »

bit_logic wrote: post #68

Why does it seem like many parents are unaware that a hand me down iPhone can be heavily locked down with screen time settings? A list of things you can do: - allowed list of apps, can reduce it to just phone, imessage, and utilities like weather app - effectively permanent downtime, just set the end time less than start time such as 3:00 am to 2:59 am (technically 1 minute of non downtime). This blocks apps except f…

Best (for older kids) would be a dumb cell phone like we had in the 2000s. Good for phone calls, texting, and simple offline apps like casual games, camera and music player. Maybe email. Definitely no web browser, youtube, or social media crap.

I don't know the extent to which such devices are still manufactured today.

Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#122

Post by choo-t »

ForHackernews wrote: post #111
choo-t wrote: post #109

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Specifically designed to be less capable is the same as being restricted. It's purpose is explicitly to restrict the user communication to some predefined setting by a third party (the parent and company behind it) and the user is well aware of that, as this e-waste cost as much as a cheap or second hand smartphone.

The jukebox I got for my basement is not a restricted Spotify-enabled smart speaker. It's a different device that does something different.

First, you got it for yourself, so you chose to use a jukebox (or in other words : restrict your listening to specific titles on physical media) instead to impose it to other, which make a big difference in what people see as a restrictions(instead of a choice, which is self inflicted).

Chosing a Tin Can is obviously to restrict your kid usage of communication, it's the nature of the purchase of the device.

Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#124

Post by throwaway_19sz »

bit_logic wrote: post #68

Why does it seem like many parents are unaware that a hand me down iPhone can be heavily locked down with screen time settings? A list of things you can do: - allowed list of apps, can reduce it to just phone, imessage, and utilities like weather app - effectively permanent downtime, just set the end time less than start time such as 3:00 am to 2:59 am (technically 1 minute of non downtime). This blocks apps except f…

Because it’s a lot easier to refuse to buy an expensive gadget for your kids than to refuse to press a few buttons to set them free.

Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#125

Post by intrasight »

zabzonk wrote: post #75

Somewhat OT: It is actually amazing how far with a couple of tin cans, greaseproof paper taped around one end, and string attached to the paper. You are not going to do VOIP, but 50 yards is possible. Even more OT: One Xmas my Dad (unredeemable gadget freak, early adopter of the TRS80) gave me and my little bro two wired handsets with batteries and a ringer. We wired up brother's bedroom to living room, but soon real…

You mirrored my kid communication tech experience, except mine was with my neighbor next door. My brother and I were 13 and 12 respectively. The neighbors were two girls: 14 and 12. Bedroom windows about 22 feet apart.

Our list of experiments included: Written signs Tin cans Morse code circuit Wired handset Walkie-talkies

The fun lasted a couple years until puberty struck.

Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#126

Post by frodo76 »

pqs wrote: post #117

Why not using the actual land line? I still have one. My 13 year old son, who has no phone, uses it and it works. I'm just curious.

TinCan owner here. The issue with landlines in my experience is that they quickly become overwhelmed with spam calls. That and the ability to lock down the phone to just a few numbers is the appeal.

Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#127

Post by eloisant »

jkestner wrote: post #61
mememememememo wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do we think a dumb phone Nokia and calls only SIM is just as good (to avoid all the drilling etc. of installing landlines in each kids room?)

I dug out an old Motofone (the $40 eink candybar) for this reason, only to discover that it’s 2G, which has been decommissioned. Too bad, would’ve been fun to watch the kid learn T9.

Modern dumbphones exist: https://www.hmd.com/en_int/nokia-3210

Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#128

Post by eloisant »

benchloftbrunch wrote: post #121
bit_logic wrote: post #68

Why does it seem like many parents are unaware that a hand me down iPhone can be heavily locked down with screen time settings? A list of things you can do: - allowed list of apps, can reduce it to just phone, imessage, and utilities like weather app - effectively permanent downtime, just set the end time less than start time such as 3:00 am to 2:59 am (technically 1 minute of non downtime). This blocks apps except f…

Best (for older kids) would be a dumb cell phone like we had in the 2000s. Good for phone calls, texting, and simple offline apps like casual games, camera and music player. Maybe email. Definitely no web browser, youtube, or social media crap. I don't know the extent to which such devices are still manufactured today.

There are: https://www.hmd.com/en_int/nokia-3210

(and it's not the only one, also check KaiOS phones)

Re: Tin Can, a 'landline' for kids

#130

Post by carlosjobim »

jkestner wrote: post #61
mememememememo wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do we think a dumb phone Nokia and calls only SIM is just as good (to avoid all the drilling etc. of installing landlines in each kids room?)

I dug out an old Motofone (the $40 eink candybar) for this reason, only to discover that it’s 2G, which has been decommissioned. Too bad, would’ve been fun to watch the kid learn T9.

You can buy a new feature phone with 4G for peanuts.
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