The ImageFone is an ideal first phone for young children. It is a credit card-sized phone that uses a custom screen to display simple call functions. A grid of contacts can be preassigned by parents with images rather than names, making it suitable for children as young as four years old, or those with disabilities.

Setting up the phone is quite simple. Just go to the OwnFone website, upload images of desired contacts, print a personalised phone backdrop and choosing a price plan.

The numbers are saved to the “cloud” and can be changed at any time, offering parents full control over operation and peace of mind that only these preassigned contacts can communicate with the device.

“It’s a fact that more parents than ever before are buying children under the age 11 a mobile phone, unfortunately it’s also fact that these parents are exposing their children to the risks posed by the traditional handsets currently on the market” said Tom Sunderland, inventor and founder of Ownfone. ”We launched ImageFone as a solution for parents – the handset is designed to allow them to keep in constant contact with their children whilst giving complete peace of mind. The ImageFone has our most basic functionality yet, providing a handset that is perfect for children as young as four as well as those with disabilities”.

The ImageFone costs from £55 on a 30-day rolling contract, with pay as you go and pay in advance bundles also available for 6 and 12 months. For more information visit www.myownfone.com