Women Magazine

After the purchase parents have many decisions to make – about controlling content, locating the phone remotely, limiting usage and setting expectations about how to use it

Cell phones are an important link between parents and children, and now parents are more empowered than ever to strengthen that link. Parents can set strict limits on how many minutes they can use and apply filters restricting the sounds and images their children can download. Some services, like text messaging, can be blocked entirely. These optional tools can help parents control costs and guide their children on using a cell phone responsibly.

Controlling Content With Usage Controls, customers can:

• Set limits for voice minutes
• Limit access to certain content by ages using three filter settings:
• “C 7+” – content recommended for children ages 7 and older
• “T 13+” – content recommended for teens ages 13 and older
• “YA 17+” – content recommended for young adults ages 17 and older
• Set specific limits on the quantity of text, picture, instant and video messages as part of pay-as-you-go or message bundle plans
• Designate specific times during the day when your child is not permitted to use certain services on their cell phone
• Create lists of “trusted” and “blocked” phone numbers (Note: calls to 911 will always be allowed to connect)

Usage Controls are available for a $4.99 monthly subscription for each line of service on a Nationwide Calling Plan, whether a Family SharePlan(R) or a single-line plan. Setting and updating controls is done online. Customers access Usage Controls through the My Services tab on their My Verizon web page.

Locating Your Child’s Phone

Another application, Chaperone, is available on the majority of phones and allows parents to determine the location of their child’s cell phone. Parents can use the Chaperone web site or the Chaperone Parent application to view the child’s phone location information, which will be displayed as a nearby address on a detailed map.

Chaperone is available on a wide range of devices from inexpensive to high-end, including the new LG Dare, which has touch screen controls and is enabled V CAST Music with Rhapsody(R). This new service is perfect for teens, allowing them access to unlimited songs for a flat rate subscription each month.

Setting Expectations

To assist parents in guiding their children in the use of their first cell phone, Verizon Wireless offers the following suggestions for family discussion:

• Turn the phone off at a set time at home so family time is not interrupted and there’s no texting late into the night
• Answer your phone if mom or dad calls, no matter what, so they will know if everything is okay
• Follow family guidelines on use – Get everyone on the same page on the volume of usage and the kind of content that may be downloaded
• Check school rules — Middle and high schools may have specific rules about cell phone usage during school hours or on school grounds posted on the district or school website

Source: Verizon Wireless