This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #MyDataMyWay #CollectiveBias

The invention of mobile data is probably one of the the most amazing as a parent! I still remember the first time we got smart phones, so many years ago, that we could use the internet ANYWHERE! Wooohooo! Times have definitely changed, now that we’re parents and cell phone safety for kids has risen to the top of our priority list.

Since my nine year old started becoming more independent, like going to horseback riding camp, joining swim team, and just for convenience, we’ve added her to our cell phone plan. She’s still using a basic phone, but the conversations have begun, “Mom, when can I get a phone like yours?” I’m so not ready for that! Adding data to her phone is something we’re not ready for! I believe it’s a personal choice when parents decide when their child is ready for a cell phone and whether it’s a basic or smart phone. The good news is, when we are ready, we know that we have tools and resources for keeping her data usage in check and make sure she’s using her phone responsibly.

Tips for keeping kids safe with cell phones:

There’s an app for that: 

There’s so many applications out there that can give parents control over their child’s cell phone. From GPS software that can keep parents apprised of where their child/teen is, apps that limit the time spent playing games, to blocking applications such as Facebook, Instagram, or SnapChat, there is an application that can give parents what they need to keep their kids safe. Often times, the parental control applications may be included by the cell phone provider for free or for a nominal fee. Some apps that may be of help to parents: Phone Sheriff, My Mobile Watchdog, Funamo, and kidsafe web browse Mobicip. Check the phone settings for pre-installed features and apps that may come standard from your wireless carrier.

Pay Attention to Screen Time: 

It’s so very important to monitor how much time your teen/tween is spending texting, game play, social media, and who our children are talking to. Mobistealth is application that parents use to monitor a teen/tweens activities on their cell phone—check text messages, check pictures sent/received, tracks websites visited, and more. Children Tracker, an Android app, is very similar to Mobistealth and safes the data in the cloud on Google.

Talk About Phone ,and Internet Safety with Kids:

Keeping the conversation with kids going about being safe online and with a cell phone can be an important preventative measure to keep kids safe. Talk to kids about the dangers of strangers online and talk about issues such as Cyberbullying. We all hope our children aren’t faced with dangerous situations, however, in the event they are faced with difficult circumstances, they’ll be prepared. Let kids know what they should do if they are ever in danger. It is crucial to give kids tools in advance, so they know how to keep themselves safe.

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How do you keep your kids safe with their cell phones?

How do you share your data with YOUR family?