Spit balls, lunch boxes and cell phones

It's not , a fictitious cell phone for people under the age of two conjured up by analyst Mark Lowenstein of Mobile Ecosystem. But a wireless service for children ages 6 to 12 is pretty close.

The operator, which debuts in July, says parental control is a key characteristic. Adults can limit how often the phone is used, what telephone numbers can be dialed, and what calls get through. Additional details weren't forthcoming.

Should first-graders get phones? Sure, especially if the operator has a finder service using the phone's geotracking features. But imagine all the classroom fights over electrical outlets, the lost, broken or stolen phones, and classroom gabbing ("Mommy, the guinea pig died. Waaaaaahhh!") ? Bart Simpson with unlimited minutes? Ay carumba!