Since I grew up in the days predating cell phones I have always been skeptical about getting a cell phone for my children. My oldest, who is nine now, is getting to the point where she can work the TV much better than I can, so conceivably she could masterfully use a cell phone as well. So, we sat down and tried out the new kajeet cell phone for kids. She loved it and I did, too.

The Sanyo Katana cell phone from kajeet, which retails for $99.99, has a huge display screen and large keys, which are great for easy usability and fast functionality. Plus, here’s the thing: It’s pay as you go, so your kids won’t run up a $600 bill by talking to their friends for hours about nothing or texting to their heart’s content without realizing that text messages cost money! Parents can set up a budget for the phone that effectively limits the amount of extras kids can download like games, ring tones and wallpaper. And kids and parents can have a co-account which allows children, particularly teens, the opportunity to pay for some of the services they use or learn this valuable lesson in money matters: Cell phones and the extras that come with them are not free.

The kajeet Sanyo Katana also comes equipped with all the features kids love like a digital camera, voicemail, and speakerphone. Plus, the Katana comes with Bluetooth technology allowing kids the fun of hands-free communication.

The kajeet Sanyo Katana cell phone is a great gift for the holidays. But most importantly, it puts your kid’s cell phone use back in your hands while giving them valuable talking privileges at the same time.

On the web: kajeet.com