This is a sponsored post. I was compensated either in product or monetarily. However, all opinions are 100% my own. It’s back to school season! Can you believe it? I bet you are shopping for school supplies and school uniforms, right? Have you gotten your after-school care plan in place? or what about asking yourself if your child is ready for their own cell phone? I just want a smooth transition when my kids go back to school!
Is Your Child Ready For Their Own Cell Phone?
It seems more kids stay connected with friends and family with their own mobile devices. Five years ago, the average age of children getting their first cell phone was 14. Today, that number has decreased to 11. Many parents are more inclined to allow their children to own a cell phone for safety reasons. Many kids are involved in after-school activities and team practices. Also, many kids are home alone. These are just a few of the reasons parents prefer their child has a cell phone.
Mobile Devices, Your Kids, And U.S. Cellular
So, you want to get your child his/her first cell phone? I don’t blame you: it’s reassuring to know your child is only a phone call/text away. It gives me peace of mind knowing my kids have a cell phone in case of an emergency. My family is connected through U.S. Cellular’s reliable network. Its high-quality and nationwide coverage assures me that I can keep in touch with my family members at any time.
If you are a parent looking to buy their child their first device, U.S. Cellular is the perfect carrier for you. With their 4G LTE™, your kids can share, surf, stream and download content up to 10X faster. This means they can get the content they need, when they need it.
For me, data usage is always a huge concern, especially at the beginning of the school year. The last thing I need is a huge phone bill from the four of us going over our data plans. With the helpful and friendly U.S. Cellular associates, they can help you choose a plan that works best for your family. They will take into consideration your needs, general Internet and cell phone usage.
Kids, Cell Phones and Responsibility
When giving your child their first cell phone, make sure they know that it comes with great power. My kids had no idea how much responsibility there was in owning their own cell phone. They have to be careful not to lose or damage their phone, and protect their identity. We have downloaded the Find My Phone app, so in case they lose their phones, we can locate it. Also, they had to find a balance so they weren’t distracted from their studies.
As a parent, you must stress your kids have an understanding of phone safety and etiquette. Be sure to help your children set up their new phones. This give you a chance to guide them in choosing age-appropriate apps and features. Don’t forget there are many apps which allow you to monitor your child’s Internet and data usage.
Teens, Phones And Driving
If you have a teen with a cell phone, the U.S. Cellular® Better Moments Parent-Child Agreement will surely come into good use. When my daughter is behind the wheel, she uses her Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth device. This keeps her connected with us while she is driving in a hands-free manner. This helps her stay focused on the road rather than on her cell phone. I also suggest downloading Do Not Disturb function (available on iPhones, like my iPhone 6 from US Cellular) when you get behind the wheel. Get social and see all contest entries by following U.S. Cellular on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter .
