Parents "dread" buying their kids cell phones. Privacy concerns, minutes overages and the over-sharing of personal information all come to mind when kids use cell phones. So what would parents think of a cell phone designed for children as young as four? The fear and outrage would be palpable, no? The FiLIP phone may change their minds about kids owning cell phones.

At its core, the FiLIP is meant to be a safety device. It's marketed as "the world's first smart locator and phone." Yet, this isn't a smartphone or navigational system by any stretch of the imagination. The super-simplistic phone has just two buttons: one to call and one to scroll. Scrolling though contacts won't take long because the phone holds just five numbers in its memory bank. But it does the trick. Perhaps those five contacts are mom and dad, grandma and grandpa and a trusted family friend.

So in an effort to ease the worries and concerns of anxiety-ridden parents everywhere, the FiLIP isn't meant to be used by your kids as a toy. They won't be able to call their friends and chat about how awful their preschool finger painting lesson went because the contact list can only be edited via the parents' smartphone.

No distracting game or music apps are available for the FiLIP. The phone is also practically indestructible due to its strong, rigid plastic casing. Then it's no wonder why USA Today's Ed Baig said that the FiLIP is "the first phone you feel comfortable giving your child."

Now about that 'smart locator'... The integrated "assisted GPS, GSM cell tower location, and Wi-Fi hotspot triangulation" is an amazingly helpful and well thought-out feature. God-forbid your kid ever goes missing, or even just runs away from you while you're shopping at the local grocery store; you can track them down with the free FiLIP Android or iOS App. The apps also enable you to send and receive calls with your kid(s).

How much does all this cost? The FiLIP is being sold for $199.99. You can purchase the FiLIP from AT&T online or in select stores. After you buy the phone you just need to pay $10 a month for unlimited voice calls and location tracking. The device is month-to-month, meaning that you aren't locked into a lengthy and pricey two-year contract. There's absolutely no obligation whatsoever. Additionally, a variety of bright, fun, kid-approved watch bands and other accessories are available for purchase on MyFiLIP.com.

Do you think the FiLIP is going to be a successful tool in helping families across America stay safe? Or do you feel that this gadget is just a money grab? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.