Yago Foncillas, entrepreneur, kids’ first mobile: “The first cell phone should not be a constant distraction”

The arrival of a first phone is a critical moment in the lives of children and teenagers. According to Yago Foncillas, entrepreneur and founder of ēllu, the smart bracelet brand that connects to a phone to share location, the way technology is introduced determines whether it becomes a useful tool or a source of risk.

“The impact of technology on children depends on how the tool is designed. The biggest risk of a first smartphone is overexposure and the lack of filters. We believe technology should support independence, not become a constant distraction,” he explains. For this reason, he recommends delaying the first phone until the child shows enough maturity and, once introduced, using it with active parental guidance.

Not all devices are the same. Foncillas points out that many tracking devices for minors end up becoming “mini smartphones,” with games and cameras that can lead to addictive behavior as early as age seven. By contrast, a well-designed tracking device allows teenagers to maintain a digital life without constantly depending on a screen.

“A teenager already has a phone, but with a tracking device they do not need to check it all the time. They can keep it in their backpack while training or walking home. Their safety is on their wrist, not on a screen that distracts them, and if something urgent happens, they receive notifications,” he says.

Safety does not have to come at the expense of privacy. According to Foncillas, having a phone does not guarantee protection and can sometimes introduce new risks due to distractions or unnecessary exposure. With a tracking device, young people can send an SOS with a single click, sharing their exact location and an audio recording of their surroundings with their guardians. “It is real safety without exposure,” he adds.

Parental controls

In addition, parental controls are designed to be effective without being intrusive. Chat and group filters block unknown users, settings are protected by a PIN, and all information is encrypted end to end. “We do not sell data to third parties or introduce advertising, which other platforms use to monetize young users,” he says.

For Foncillas, the key is balancing independence and protection. When used properly, technology stops being a risk and becomes an ally that supports young people, allowing them to explore the world safely without sacrificing privacy or trust in their caregivers.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.