A Barbie phone is available for purchase, but it's expensive at £99 and is not a modern smartphone.

Have you heard about the new Barbie phone that just hit the market? It's causing quite a stir because for the first time, it's actually a functioning phone that you can text and talk on. And as an added bonus, it even comes with the classic game Snake.

The phone has been highly anticipated and was finally released today with a price tag of £99. Shoppers on the HMD website are given the option to choose their desired color, but the only color available is pink. However, customers can have their phone custom painted with any color as long as it's pink. The flip phone features a pink keypad with hidden designs that light up in the dark, including palm trees, hearts, and flamingos.

While the phone may not have popular social media apps like Facebook, X, or Whatsapp, it does have a basic 5-megapixel camera. The creators of the phone, HMD Global, wanted to focus on providing essential communication features without the distractions that come with internet browsing, which can lead to screen addiction and compulsive scrolling.

It's worth noting that Barbie phones have come a long way from the plastic ones we used to play with. This new phone is a collaboration between HMD Global and toymaker Mattel, and they've stayed true to the Barbie theme by including sounds and alarms such as "DreamHouse" and "Azure Barbie."

The phone is expected to sell over 400,000 units, with many parents being drawn to its simple features as a solution to their children's screen time. It will be available through Vodafone, Argos, and directly from HMD.

Interestingly, the release of the Barbie phone coincides with the iconic doll's 65th birthday this year and follows the success of last year's Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie.

Now, while some may prefer other colors, there's no denying that pink looks fabulous on us. But in all seriousness, there are concerns about smartphone addiction and its effects on mental and physical health. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry found that heavy smartphone users are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, impaired attention, and other negative impacts.

Ben Wood, a chief analyst at CCS Insight, believes that many people will be tempted to buy the Barbie phone for fun, but ultimately, our dependency on smartphones makes it difficult to completely disconnect.

This issue is especially concerning for young people, and some institutions have taken steps to address it. For example, Eton College in the UK has banned smartphones for certain age groups and replaced them with older, simpler models like the classic Nokia brick phone. A committee of MPs has also suggested that the government consider banning smartphones altogether for those under 16.

In order to combat smartphone addiction, psychology professor Larry Rosen recommends setting boundaries and creating smartphone-free zones, such as the dinner table or bedroom. He also suggests deleting unnecessary apps, setting time limits, and taking breaks for activities like mindfulness or going for a walk.

So, while the Barbie phone may be a fun and nostalgic choice for some, it's important to be mindful of our smartphone usage and take steps to prevent addiction and its negative effects. As they say, everything in moderation.

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