Verizon Just Kids Plan Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Verizon. All opinions are my own.
Verizon Just Kids plan has recently been released to consumers. This plan is going to be so helpful to parents when they allow their child to have a smartphone. Let’s be honest. The world can be a dangerous place for our children and the cyber world is no exception. We need all the help we can get, keeping our children safe.
When is the right time?
So, to start off, when do you think is the right time for your child to receive a smartphone? I have two boys and they both received their smartphones around the age of 11. Now I know this can be completely different from family to family. My husband and I decided that when our boys could handle responsibilities around the house on a regular basis, then we would think about getting them their own smartphone. It was also very important to us that they could reach us if they were at a friends house or home alone. I don’t know about you, but we cut our landline years ago!
Responsibilities
I mentioned above about the responsibilities that had to be fulfilled, on a consistent basis. Both of our boys started doing their own laundry at a pretty early age. This includes placing all dirty items in their laundry baskets, washing, drying, folding and putting away all clothing. Also, they must take out the garbage, recycling, empty dishwasher, walk the dog and clean up after the dog. Once they received their phones they had to take care of the phone, share all of the passwords with us and agree to very limited screen time.
Verizon Just Kids Plan
When our boys first received their smartphones, our biggest struggle was monitoring their activity and amount of time they spent on them. That’s why I am so excited about the Just Kids plan from Verizon. This is a first of it’s kind price plan just for kids! I’d love to share some of my favorite features with you
Just Kids Plan Features
- Set alerts to get updates about your child’s location
- Manage who can call and text with your child
- Limit data, purchases, text and calls
- Block content and apps, they’re not ready for yet
- Set school and night hours so they can focus and minimize distractions
Now that we’ve discussed smartphones and wireless plans, I would love to know your opinion. When do you think is the right time for a child to receive their first smartphone?
joy says
wonder how this price compares to the TMobile $3 Pay as you go deal I used to use before I got my LIFELINE government phone. only thing diff i see is that the PAYGO had no 3G/LTE.
https://www.thejoyousliving.com/thank-you-t-mobile/
Joy at The Joyous Living
Monica Vila says
I think one difference is that the line already comes with filters and other parental controls. For me at least it’s not just a question of price but about having peace of mind so we can focus on parenting.
Scott J DeNicola says
This is a great idea! I wish they had something like this when my girls were younger. They both got phones when they started sixth grade and began staying after school for sports and other activities. I had added them to my plan and of course, now my cell phone bill is hundreds of dollars. I do like the idea of limiting how many people they can talk and text to for younger kids but I could see that being a major problem if they are older. This is a great plan in my opinion for a younger child.
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Luna S says
Sounds like a great phone plan. We have a phone for our daughter, she is often at her grandmothers and at her grandfathers however they aren’t always the best at answering their phones so we got her a phone of her own so we can get a hold of her when we need.
Despite Pain says
The Just Kids Plan sounds a great idea. I like that the parent has some control over the content they can view. And to be able to get an update on the child’s location is a fantastic idea.
Monica Vila says
I do love the idea of not having to worry about simple controls on the actual line of service so I can have more parenting moments.
Great blog!
Trish Veltman says
That’s a really good plan to protect kids using smartphones. and give parents reassurance of how their kids are usimng them.
Jill says
My son got his phone at age 11 too. I resisted for a long time, but we ended up getting one for many of the same reasons. I also like that the Just Kids Plan is now available for built in safety.
Live Learn Better says
This is very good to note. My 7YO is in serious battle with me over getting a phone. I told him not until he turns 13 and he’s we need to talk about that. This is 2019.
Joanna K. says
Even though I still use a conventional mobile phone, I can see how useful and helpful the Verizon plan is. I like the point you have raised about responsibilities, indicating -to my understanding- that once children assume certain responsibilities at home, they’d be ready to use a smartphone.
Kaitlyn says
I don’t have kids, but this is good info.
Snehal says
A plan which I think all parents must check out! What I personally liked the most is the option of getting alerts of kid’s location. đŸ™‚
Thuy says
This is a parent’s dream come true. I love the features and it’s so important at least when kids are young to ensure kids are being responsible with their phones
Lyosha says
I wonder what the prices are. because it sounds like a great deal for kids. let’s face it nowadays kids get on tech pretty early and I can’t actually say it’s a bad thing.
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Charmaine Daisley says
This ‘just kids’ plan sounds great. The two features I particularly like are the location alert and the ability to choose their phone contacts – these two are major tools in helping keep kids safe. To answer your question: I think an average age to give a child their own smarthone is around 13/14. But I guess this is from the perspective of when I gave my child a smartphone years ago – now the world is even more scary, so I guess 11 is not a bad number if the child is responsible enough and is monitored on top of that.
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Debra Roberts says
Where was this when my kids were little!? I’ve been a Verizon customer since the late 90’s. I have adult kids now, but this is awesome and something great for the grands in the coming years!
Tracy C says
I teach junior high, and the majority of my students (75% or more) have cell phones. If your child is involved in extracurricular activities, a cellphone at age 12/13 makes sense. Our school rules are that phones must be turned off and stored in the lockers during the day. Many parents don’t support that, thinking that they need that lifeline to their child at all times. It can be frustrating.
Alessia says
My sis starts asking for a mobile phone since she was very young and I do not really think small kids need a mobile phone. But it is also true that we live in a small city if we would live in a big tow I probably would like her to have a phone so that she can contact us if something happens. It is a really delicate point this…your blog post make me think
Jan F says
Well, I like this, but I would not give my kid a smartphone. Definitely not before 13. This not an easy topic tho…
Lavern Moore says
The Verizon just kids plan seems like a great plan for parents and their kids when they introduce smartphones to their kids. I like the added safety it provides.