New app gives parents control over child's phone

A former Army officer has come up with a clever app that allows parents to control their child's mobile phone from afar.

The AlphaBlue app is the idea of 43-year-old father Graeme Menday who noticed his son was sending text messages at school and using his Blackberry when he was supposed to be doing his homework, the Daily Mail reports.

"It's a new problem in schools. Millions of pounds is being lost in teaching time because of this kind of disruption," said Mr Menday.

The app allows parents to suspend text messaging services and block access to the internet or certain websites on their child's phone.

It costs £2.99 a month and is being showcased this week at the British Invention Show taking place at London's Barbican Centre.