AT&T Announces Web-Based Parental Controls for Mobile Phones

AT*T Smart Limits AT&T announced Smart Limits for Wireless, a set of features that parents will love and kids will hate. The new Web-based features allows parents to control how and when their children can use their mobile phones, as well as limit the number of ringtones and downloads they purchase.

For $4.99 per month parents can set limits on what hours of the day a child can place and receive calls, instant messages and text messages. Parents can also restrict mobile Web access to block inappropriate websites and allocate minutes among users of shared wireless plans.

One of the best/worst features of Smart Links for Wireless is it can allow parents to block calls and text messages from and to specific numbers. If parents don’t approve of a boyfriend or girlfriend, they can instantly cut access.

“AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless enables parents to provide their children with the safety and convenience of wireless service while setting sensible boundaries for its use,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer for AT&T’s wireless unit. “AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless gives parents peace of mind in knowing they will be able to keep in touch with their children but will avoid unexpected overage charges on their bill.”

The service can be programmed with “allowed” numbers, such as emergency numbers and parents’ numbers, which can be called at any time. Emergency 911 can be dialed at any time regardless of restrictions.

When children near their time limits they will receive warnings. Once the limits are met, their phones will be locked into restricted mode.
“Children have more tools to communicate than ever before and need to learn to use them responsibly,” said Stephen Balkam, CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute. “AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless gives parents the ability to limit their children’s use of text messages and teach them to use their phones more responsibly. Just as important, parents can sensibly control their children’s wireless access and protect their children from unwanted calls and messages.”

The AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless works on all of AT&T’s wireless phones except for Apple’s iPhone.

To learn more about AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless, visit www.att.com/smartlimitsforwireless.

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