compare phone plans and save up to 80%
compare now
Phone Plans

The Best Cell Phone Plans for Parental Controls to Keep Your Kids Safe 24/7

By
Sara Nuss
May 13, 2023

As a parent, there is nothing more important than keeping your kids safe from the dangerous things that lurk on the internet. Whether it's a certain website, content, or people that you wish to keep your child from interacting with, there are different ways to approach your child about this, as well as  features on cell phones that parents can utilize.

One of the best ways to keep kids safe are parental controls. This is a unique feature that can help parents protect their children from apps, websites, and other content that you don’t want your child to see or to stumble upon.

Being a protective parent is your number one priority, so keep your children safe  through these incredible plans with parental controls!

If you want to switch cell phone carriers, then consider looking into Really to help you with all of your phone services needs! At Really, you can compare phone plans to get more bang for your buck, and you can see what carriers and plans are in your area, sort by price, best value and more, and even click on the plan you wish to learn more about in an instant. 

Why Should You Set Up Parental Controls on Your Child’s Phone?

Cell phones are useful for your children to have, but here’s why should you put an extra layer of protection on it!

Setting up parental controls on your child’s cell phone is a useful way to keep them safe and stay off of apps and websites they shouldn’t be on. Image courtesy of Comparitech

There are many reasons why you should consider adding parental controls on your child’s cell phone. Whether it comes down to protecting them from websites and other things that they should not see, not wanting them to be exposed to social media, or just to keep them less distracted, it’s ultimately up to the parent on what they think is best suitable for their child.

Consider some of the most important reasons why many parents set up parental controls on their child’s cell phone!

Safety is Their Number One Priority

When it comes to being a parent, one of the most important things is keeping your child safe. By setting up parental controls, you have full access to what your child can and cannot see on the internet. Setting up parental controls is important for some parents because they can ultimately keep your child safe.

There are a lot of dangers online that anyone can experience, but there are so many more dangers for children and it’s important to avoid any type of online trauma that they can carry with them for years. A reason why many parents set up parental controls on their child’s cell phone is to prevent them from seeing any inappropriate content or websites, protect them from child groomers, cyberbullying, and other dangers online.

Manage What is Found on Search Engines

While the internet and searching things up on Google is one of the most convenient ways to get answers for a question, it can be very dangerous for children. Whether it’s an intentional or unintentional search from your child, parental controls can help censor what your child can see while looking something up on a search engine.

Access to anything and everything can be dangerous, and kids are curious and want to learn about things that they don’t understand. Setting up parental controls can help block adult websites, content, pictures, and even videos to protect your kids. 

Can Track Child’s Location

One of the best features that many parents like to use on their younger children are GPS apps to track them to ensure that they are safe and at the specific location that they should be at. Parental controls may allow you to set up GPS to track your kids to ensure that they're safe no matter where they go.

If you want to make sure that they got to school safely, or make sure that they made it to a friend’s house, or the school football game, there are GPS tracking apps to put on your child’s phone. 

Set Screen Time Limits 

Do you ever notice that your child is spending too much time on their cell phone? By using parental controls, you can help set up time limits for how long your kid can stare at their cell phone to ensure that they’re getting their homework done, or even just to make sure they get some time outdoors. 

Screen time is one of the most addictive things about cell phones and it can even affect children at a young age just like it can adults. It is proven that children can have a harder time breaking the habit of getting off of their phone and separating themselves from it, which can cause poor eyesight, insufficient sleep, or even a lack of physical activity. Parental controls can help manage what types of apps your children can use and for how long. 

Teach Children the Proper Cyber Etiquette

It is important to teach your child manners, such as how to say please and thank you, and sorry for when they’ve done something wrong. This is all a part of teaching your kid proper etiquette, but it’s also important to do the same online too. Cyber etiquette is a real thing that often goes unnoticed by children and teens, and it’s important to remember anything that you put online is there forever. 

One of the most beneficial ways that parental controls can play a part in how you raise your kids in the technologically advanced world we live in is to teach them proper cyber etiquette. This includes teaching them good behavior both online and offline, such as coming up with consequences if your child were caught cyberbullying someone. Making sure that your child is well behaved online and offline can teach them maturity and what is expected from them no matter what.

The Best Cell Phone Plans That Include Parental Controls

Finding an affordable cell phone plan that includes parental controls is important for your child’s safety!

As a parent, setting up parental controls should be an important feature to keep your child safe while using a cell phone. Image courtesy of PC Mag

Setting up parental controls on your child’s cell phone is important to keep in mind if you want to shield them from anything that could be potentially damaging to them. While your cell phone has most of the parental controls that you’ll need, your plan can also have additional useful parental functions.

Let’s explore some of the best cell phone plans with parental controls to keep your child safe no matter how they use their phone!

Visible

One of the best cell phone plans that you can check out through an MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator, that can not only help you save money, but keep your kids safe is Visible. This MVNO is owned and operated by Verizon Wireless  and has extra parental controls that are perfect if you’re adding your child to your plan.

A Visible cell phone plan includes a ton of useful features to continue to keep your child safe:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • 4G LTE or 5G nationwide coverage
  • Unlimited mobile hotspot
  • Spam protection
  • Unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada
  • 5G ultra wideband on their most expensive plan
  • Unlimited roaming in Mexico and Canada on most expensive plan
  • International calling and texting to 30+ countries
  • International texting to 200+ countries
  • 24/7 access to customer service
  • Add a smartwatch for and extra $5 per month
  • No hidden fees 

There are two plans offered through Visible that you can choose for your child when signing up:

  • Visible Plan - $30 per month for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot, and 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage
  • Visible+ Plan - $45 per month for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot, 4G LTE and 5G nationwide coverage, 5G ultra wideband, and premium network experience

Tello

If you want to protect your child from the dangers online while also providing them a cell phone plan that is reliable, then Tello is the perfect option for you. Tello is an MVNO that offers some of the cheapest plans in the industry right now, and they use T-Mobile’s high speed service and coverage and feature parental controls too.

Signing up for a cell phone plan through Tello also comes with the following features on every plan:

  • T-Mobile’s fast high-speed 5G nationwide service and coverage
  • 4G LTE and 5G speeds available depending on your cell phone
  • Unlimited texting available on all plans
  • Free mobile hotspot included on all data plans
  • Can use minutes in over 60+ international countries
  • Plans automatically renew every thirty days
  • No contract prepaid plans
  • Can cancel at any time with no early termination fees
  • Can upgrade or downgrade plan at any time with no extra fees
  • Wi-Fi calling available
  • Bring your own cell phone and number
  • Buy smartphone if needed through online store
  • Incredible customer service

There are a few different options when it comes to choosing a Tello cell phone plan, but they are all extremely affordable:

  • $10 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data
  • $14 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data
  • $19 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data
  • $24 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data
  • $29 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and data

US Mobile

Sometimes it’s more common to be interested in a plan that is extremely affordable for both you and your child. If you want a cell phone plan for your child that also has the necessary parental controls needed, US Mobile is one of the best ones to choose. Using Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile’s network, you’ll have reliable service and coverage to ensure that your child is safe no matter where they go.

With a US Mobile, you can take advantage of the following features included in almost every plan:

  • Uses Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile’s 5G nationwide coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text plans
  • Set data allotment plans and unlimited data plans available
  • Free SIM card with phone purchase
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • Mobile hotspot available on most plans
  • 24/7 customer service available
  • Entertainment perks for video streaming, music, and gaming
  • Discounts on more than two-line plans

There are a ton of plans to choose from through US Mobile that it can be difficult to find the one you’re looking for, so consider these top plans:

  • $10 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data
  • $15 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of data
  • $20 per line per month for for unlimited talk, text, and 25GB of data
  • $35 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and data
  • $45 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and high-speed 5G data

Mint Mobile

Considering a reputable cell phone carrier should be one of your top priorities when it comes to choosing the perfect cell phone plan for your child. If you’re looking for affordable prepaid plans that also include parental controls, one of the best plans to choose is through Mint Mobile. This MVNO has a ton of necessary parental controls and other features to ensure that your child is safe both online and offline. 

Mint Mobile’s cell phone plans come with some great features that are included in every plan:

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Set data allotment plans or unlimited plans offered
  • Three-month, six-month, or year-long plans available
  • T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G coverage
  • High-speed 5G data 
  • Free calling to Mexico and Canada
  • Free 3-in-1 SIM card included when you sign up
  • Free mobile hotspot included in all plans
  • Wi-Fi calling and texting
  • Keep your current phone or buy a new one
  • Keep your current phone number or get a new one
  • Keep your contacts, photos, and apps when you switch plans
  • Mint Mobile app available to make payments and more

If you’re interested in a three-month, six-month, or year-long prepaid plan, consider one of Mint Mobile’s finest ones:

  • $15 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data
  • $20 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data
  • $25 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of data
  • $30 per line per month for unlimited talk, text, and data

T-Mobile Magenta

One of the best cell phone carriers  is T-Mobile, and to be more specific, their Magenta plans. These plans are incredible no matter if you need an individual plan, family plan, or even one that offers parental controls for your child. You will also be assured that your child is taken care of and able to contact you no matter where they’re at with top notch service and coverage.

Consider a T-Mobile Magenta that offers:

  • Unlimited talk, text, and data
  • Truly unlimited 5G data on all plans
  • International calling to Canada and Mexico
  • Up to 40GB of a mobile hotspot
  • Nationwide 4G LTE and/or 5G high-speed data
  • Taxes and fees included in monthly price
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Bring your own cell phone and number
  • Entertainment perks
  • Scam shield to protect you against scammers
  • T-Mobile Tuesdays for exclusive perks
  • Travel benefits

There are a few different options when it comes to choosing a cell phone plan through T-Mobile that include the following:

  • Essentials Plan - $60 per month for four-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot
  • Essentials Four Line Plan - $100 per month for up to six-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot
  • Magenta Plan  - $70 per month for four-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, mobile hotspot and 100GB of premium data
  • Magenta MAX Plan - $85 per month for four-lines for unlimited talk, text, data, 40GB of premium high-speed mobile hotspot, 100GB of premium data, and Netflix

While not all cell phone carriers offer parental controls on their plan, it’s important to know that almost every smartphone nowadays has parental controls of some sort to keep your child safe from the potential dangers that they can face online. 

Consider getting your child a cell phone plan with parental controls to keep them safe and regulate their online activity!

compare phone plans and save up to 80%

compare now

compare phone plans and save up to 80%

compare now
Sara Nuss
Sara Nuss is a journalist from Pittsburgh, PA that specializes in wireless, dewi, phone plan advice & blockchain.
Select your area of interest
tags

your questions,
answered

Does this phone service work everywhere?

Yep, we offer premium wireless service on the T-Mobile® 5G Network, the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network. If you are in our dewi coverage areas, you’ll also get access to our decentralized phone network powered by the people which will give you even faster speeds and better coverage.

Is there a contract?

Nope, it’s pay as you go.

Is this prepaid?

Yeah! You put your card on file and prepay each month so that you never experience any disruption.

Does my phone need to be unlocked?

Yep, but it’s super easy to unlock your device as long as it’s paid off. Chat with us and a real human can help you here.

What if I want a new phone?

We have some recommendations on what we think you should get, from iPhones to Droids. Check out our list here which includes affordable places online to get a good deal.

What does decentralized wireless (DeWi) mean?

It means we are building a phone network that is powered by the people. Your neighbors put small radios on their roof and help extend the phone network to cover deadzones™ and get even faster speeds. Right now our DeWi network is available in Austin, but we’ll be expanding to other cities REALLY soon. Learn more about DeWi here.

How many SIMs will I be installing?

Great question. If you’re in Austin, TX, you’ll install 2 new SIMs. The REALLY nationwide SIM as your first SIM, which will give you voice / text & data on the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network powered by T-Mobile®. Your 2nd SIM will give you access to the REALLY DeWi network in Austin, TX, which you’ll prioritize when available so that you get even faster speeds and better coverage. Depending on your device, you may be able to install eSIMs via a QR code.

Can I keep my phone number?

Yep, we are powered by T-Mobile®, the nation’s largest and fastest 5G network. If you are in Austin, TX you’ll also get access to our decentralized phone network powered by the people which will give you even faster speeds and better coverage.

How much data do you get on the unlimited plan?

The plan is unlimited, but once you reach 20GB you may experience slower speeds depending on network usage.

How much hotspot data do you get on the unlimited plan?

You get 10GB of hotspot data per month, but can add more if you need to.

How do I add more data to my plan?

You can chat with us, text us, or login to your account to top off. It only takes a few seconds.

start building a new era of connectivity

join REALLY DeWi