Are you getting ready to get your child a phone? It's an exciting yet stressful time.
On top of picking out the right device, you've also got to figure out what kind of monthly plan you should get for your young techie.
Here's the deal: the best cell phone plans for kids vary depending on your needs and wants.
There are so many carriers and phone service options - it gets downright confusing. Don't worry, I'm going to give you the information you need to make the right choice for your child and family.
The cell phone milestone is arriving earlier and earlier as time and technology advance. According to consumer behavior analytics from Influence Central, the average age a child first gets a mobile phone is now 10 years old.
There are some great benefits of kids this young having their own phone number. They can let you know when they're home safely, or if they need a ride. You can even find them using programs like Family Locator from Verizon Wireless and others.
One of the major cons of kids having mobile phones is that they may not be very responsible yet. With all the dangers lurking on the internet and the advanced features included on smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone, you want to make sure they have the right plan.
Tello is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). This carrier runs on the Sprint 4G LTE network, so if you have a compatible phone, your child may be able to use it. They offer affordable, versatile plans with no contract.
It's tough to find anything bad to say about Tello plans. Prices range from $5 to $49, and you can change up any element at any time. You can bring your own phone or buy one from Tello.
Single or Family Plan?
I know what you're thinking: isn't it best to add my child's phone to my existing monthly plan? The answer: maybe.
If your child is younger, the cheapest cell phone plan may be a separate, pay-as-you-go option with a basic phone. Carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile and US Mobile all offer great value single line phone plans.
For older teens, you could be better off using the family plan discount with your current provider, especially if you already have an unlimited plan. For example, if you're on the T-Mobile network, you'll find one of the most affordable family plans available.
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Recap
There are plenty of choices when it comes to finding the best cell phone plan for your child. As far as choosing the right phone, remember that kids don't need the fanciest, most expensive device. There are several Android phones that are cheap yet functional.
The most important thing is choosing a plan you can afford that allows your child the safety and features they need.
Once you've chosen a cell phone plan, you have the option of bringing your own phone (BYOP) or purchasing a new one. Sometimes, however, a smartphone may not be the best idea for your child's first cell phone (especially if they're prone to dropping things!).
Take a look at our buyer's guide to phones for kids to find basic, flip, and smartphones suitable for young children and teenagers.
Money Saving Pro believes everyone should be able to cut their bills and choose the best deal based on their individual requirements. While our site doesn't feature every carrier or provider available on the market, we're sure you'll be able to make significant savings from the information we provide and the free independent tools we create.
How can we provide this service for free? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which plans we compare and review and write about, but it does not effect our recommendations or advice, which are based on thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.
