Are you thinking about getting your kid a phone but aren’t quite ready to sign a long-term contract? Prepaid phone plans are a great option for families on a budget or those who worry that their kids may lose or break their phone. The good news is there are plenty of solid choices out there that provide calling, texting, and even data at affordable rates.
The key is finding a plan that suits your needs and budget. Do you want a basic phone for emergency calls only or something that can handle social media and streaming music? How much data and how many minutes do you realistically need? Answering these questions upfront will help ensure that you choose a prepaid phone plan that keeps your kid connected for a good price. We’ve done the research to find some of the best and most budget-friendly options for families so you can pick a plan with confidence. So let’s get into finding the best prepaid phones for your kids!
What is a Prepaid Phone?
First of all, you may be wondering what a prepaid phone is and why it’s a great choice for your kids’ cell phone. A prepaid phone, also known as a pay-as-you-go phone, is a mobile phone plan where you pay in advance. Instead of getting a monthly bill, you buy minutes, texts, and data upfront that you can use over a certain period of time.
Once you purchase a prepaid phone, you’ll need to activate it and choose a plan that suits your needs. Plans typically include a set number of minutes, texts, and data that you can use over 30 days. When your balances start running low, you just purchase more minutes or data to add to your account. It’s a convenient, budget-friendly option if you don’t want a long-term contract.
Regular vs Prepaid Phones For Kids
So now that you know what a prepaid phone actually is, how does it compare to a regular phone plan for your children? If you can’t decide whether to go the prepaid phone route or just add your kids cell phones to your regular plan, we’re here to help break it down. As a parent, you want to make the right choice for their needs and your budget.
Cost Comparison: Prepaid vs Regular Phone Plans
First off, prepaid phones are way cheaper. You pay upfront for talk, text, and data that won’t expire for months. Regular phone plans bill each month whether used or not.
With prepaid, you can spend $25-$50 to start, then add money as needed. Most regular plans start at $30 a month or more plus taxes and fees. Prepaid can save hundreds per year!
Call and Text Parental Controls: How Prepaid Phones Give You More Oversight
With a prepaid phone, you control how much your kid can call and text. You add money to their account and set daily limits for calls, texts, and data. Once the limit is reached, service cuts off until the next billing cycle. So no surprise overages!
Phone Selection: More Basic Options With Prepaid Carriers
Prepaid phone carriers offer more basic phone options for kids. These bare-bones phones keep things simple without unnecessary features.
Contract Freedom: No Long-Term Commitments With Prepaid
With a prepaid phone plan, there’s no long-term contract to sign, so you’re free to switch carriers or stop service at any time without early termination fees.
Coverage Considerations: Comparing the Networks
When choosing between a prepaid phone plan or a regular contract plan, coverage is another thing to keep in mind. Prepaid plans typically use the networks of major carriers, so coverage is often comparable, though data speeds and network priority may differ.
Some prepaid plans limit data speeds, especially for streaming video and music. While regular plans usually provide full-speed data access, prepaid users also often get lower network priority, meaning their data may be slowed down during network congestion before regular users.
How Much Should You Spend on a Kids’ Phone Plan?
So how much should you budget for a prepaid cell phone plan for your kids? It really depends on your needs and priorities. Typically, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Usage: Think about how much data, talk, and text your kids will realistically need and use each month. If they’re young or just starting out, a few gigabytes of data and limited minutes may be plenty. For teenagers, you’ll probably want a bit more.
- Features: Do you want mobile hotspot, HD streaming, or other perks? Extras like these can impact the monthly cost. For kids, basic talk, text, and internet access are typically most important.
- Number of lines: Will you need a plan for multiple kids? Family or group plans that allow multiple lines often come at a discount. Two lines may only cost a bit more than a single line.
- Budget: Set a maximum you want to pay each month for your kids’ phone service. There are solid plans for under $30/month all the way up to $60-100/month or more for unlimited data and all the bells and whistles.
When Should You Get Your Child a Phone?
Now that you understand the basics of prepaid phones, you may be debating if it’s the right time to get your child one. As a parent, it can be hard to determine if they’re really ready for the responsibility. Here are some signs your child may be mature enough for their first cell phone:
They understand basic phone etiquette
To use a phone properly, your child needs to comprehend some basic etiquette like answering phone calls politely, leaving messages, and not interrupting conversations. If your child frequently uses the home phone or your mobile to call friends, that’s a good sign they understand phone manners.
They’re responsible and trustworthy
Owning a phone requires responsibility. If your child keeps their room tidy, does chores and homework without frequent reminders, and you trust them to stay home alone, they’re probably responsible enough for their own phone.
Their friends have phones
If most of your child’s friends have phones, your child may feel left out without one. This can be tricky, as peer pressure shouldn’t be the only reason for getting a phone. But if your child spends a lot of time socializing with friends who text and call each other, a phone may help them stay connected.
They need it for logistical reasons
If your child participates in after-school activities, sports, or clubs, a phone can be useful for coordinating schedules and rides.
The Pros of Giving Your Child a Phone
We have given you some clues to determine whether your child is ready for a phone. So here comes another big question: what are the positive things you can expect from buying your kid their first device?
Well first, a phone helps them build responsibility. By trusting them with their own device, you’re showing them you believe they’re mature enough to use it properly.
Their phone is also a learning tool. Kids can use apps and the internet to help with homework or learn new skills. Many schools also use mobile apps to share info with students and parents. With guidance, a phone gives them access to a world of educational resources.
Lastly, staying socially connected is important for development and well-being. A phone allows kids to stay in touch with friends and peers with calling, texting, and social media.
Cons of Giving Your Child a Phone
Yes, there are also some downsides to consider when buying your child a phone. While the pros may outweigh the cons in most cases, they are still worth mentioning. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it for your child
For one, phones are a major distraction and can negatively impact your child’s focus. Between social media, games, and texting, phones provide constant stimulation and diversion from responsibilities like homework, chores, and family time.
Phones also open up risks to your child’s wellbeing and safety. Cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content are serious concerns.
Your child’s overall sleep quality and mental health may also suffer. Research shows that screen time, especially right before bed, can disrupt natural sleep-wake cycles. And social comparison on social media has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in teens.
While phones provide a way for you to stay in contact with your child for safety reasons, the potential downsides are important to note.
Setting Ground Rules and Boundaries for Your Child’s Phone
Once you’ve decided your child is ready for a phone, it’s time to set some ground rules. Communication about responsible phone use and clear rules will help avoid issues down the road. You may want to talk with your child about why they want a phone and how they plan to use it. Discuss your expectations for responsible and appropriate use. Come to an agreement on how phone time will impact other activities and responsibilities.
Set limits around how much screen time is allowed and when phones need to be put away, such as during dinner, one hour before bedtime, or other requirements you have. You may want to start with stricter limits and loosen them over time as your child shows they can handle the responsibility.
Think About the Features: What Level of Capability Does Your Child Need?
When choosing a phone plan for your child, think about how much capability they really need. Some options to consider:
Basic talk and text
For younger kids or those just starting to use a phone, a basic talk and text plan is probably sufficient. These plans typically offer unlimited calling and texting with some data (around 1-3 GB) for basic internet browsing and navigation. The phone options are usually more basic but affordable. This type of plan is good for kids who will mostly use their phone to call or text parents and friends.
Limited high-speed data
For kids who will stream some music or video and use social media, a plan with 3-8 GB of high-speed data is a good middle ground. They can still call, text and browse the web, but have to be mindful of how much data they’re using for streaming and uploading. The phone options for these plans are more advanced, with large screens and storage for photos and apps. This level of capability suits responsible pre-teens and teens.
Unlimited high-speed data
For teens constantly streaming, downloading, and uploading on their phones, an unlimited high-speed data plan is the way to go. These plans offer unlimited 4G LTE data, calling and texting so they can use their phone without worry. The phone choices include the latest models with powerful cameras, lots of storage and long battery life. While convenient, unlimited plans can be expensive and may encourage overuse of phones. They’re best for mature teens who can use their phone responsibly with some limits set by parents.
In the end, you know your child and how much phone access is right for their age and needs. Choose a plan that gives them the connectivity they require without excess capability that could lead to distraction or overuse. With open communication, you can find the perfect balance of independence and responsibility.
Want a FREE PHONE and UNLIMITED DATA PLAN For Your Child??
Who says buying a child a phone has to break the bank? In fact, with EASY Wireless, you can now qualify to get FREE UNLIMITED DATA for your kid and yourself. If you meet certain requirements, you may even get a FREE SMARTPHONE!
Lifeline/ACP Programs with EASY Wireless.
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are government programs designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for eligible low-income individuals and families. At EASY Wireless, we understand the importance of affordable connectivity for everyone, and we want to help you access the benefits of these programs so that you can stay connected while lowering your financial burdens.
What Benefits Do I Get With EASY Wireless?
Upon enrolling in one of the programs above, you can receive EASY Wireless benefits such as:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
When you come to one of EASY Wireless’s retail stores, our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
The first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the household income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying Program.
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Program participation documents, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or SSI benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
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