Students Get Security Cell Phones

Tokyo’s Shinagawa-ku has taken an extra step to protect children in the ward by deciding to give them “crime prevention cell phones” that allow them to alert authorities if they are in danger and make emergency calls. Trials of the alert system the phones use will start at the beginning of next week. Plans have been made to supply the devices to all 12,000 elementary school students in the ward within this year. 

When a pin is pulled out of the cell phones, an emergency signal is sent to a center in the ward’s hall. The system utilizes the support of about 2,000 registered stores, taxi firms and other businesses. When an alarm is raised, the location of the child is sent by phone or e-mail to the child’s parents or guardians and the 20 nearest registered supporters, allowing them to rush to the scene. Continue >>