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Buggy is at that age where cell phones are becoming a topic of discussion. Not only cell phones, but being a blogger’s daughter, she wants to try her hand at blogging. All of which means cell phone, data, and then of course the desire to text and call family.

We have discussed what we would do to have a ‘trial run’ with Buggy and a cell phone and thought that
plan would be a great option.

T-Mobile’s Simply Prepaid™ plan includes 4G LTE data with unlimited talk and text for $40 a month.

This will allow Buggy to call her grandma and aunts in Minnesota, her grandparents here in Arizona, and her aunt in Virginia. Plus, she can text them and practice her blogging skills all without breaking my bank.

(She has been practicing her texting skills with our out of state family members and even her in-state grandparents!)

Of course, with a cell phone, there are rules to follow and tips for parents to consider when giving their kid their first cell phone.

1. I used her phone for the first day or so to get used to what they phone can do and what capabilities I have as a parent to control.

2. Establish rules and have them sign a contract stating they agree to those rules.

You can find a variety of printable contracts on
.

For us, the rules currently include:

• Knowing that while we paid the bill, she needed to help with chores around the house.
• She was to take care of the phone. If it was broken or lost, she would be responsible for purchasing a new phone with her own money.
• There will be nothing mean or hurtful sent to anyone on the phone.
• At this time, she is only to call or text family.
• We, as her parents, are allowed to check her phone every night and that she may not, at any time delete anything from the phone.
• No calling or texting after certain times (with family being in different time zones, we had to adjust this so that she didn’t disrupt anyone while they were at work or school.)
• The phone can go to school, but must stay off in her backpack. If there is an emergency to or from school on the bus, she may use it, but only in an emergency.
• We will know all passwords associated with the phone such as the lock screen code.
• That this phone may be taken away if the rules are not followed, chores are not completed, or behavior/attitude adjustments are needed.
• She is not to have the phone at the table during meals, at any point in time.
• Before using the internet on her phone, she must inform us what site she will be searching. Any inappropriate internet searching will result in the phone being taken away.
• Do not take pictures of anyone without their permission.

3. Keep communication open with your child so you know what they are doing and who they are contacting.

4. Set safety controls if possible on the phone.

In your T-Mobile account while activating your service (or after activation) you can go to ‘Manage’ and ‘Phone Controls’ to set a web guard. While this is one step towards safety, there are other apps and programs you can use to help safeguard your child and their cell phone (although personally, parent involvement and supervision is best!)

For some, these may seem strict, but as our first child getting a cell phone, we want to ensure that she understands all the rules and safety of having a cell phone.

She is only 9 years old so needing a cell phone at all times isn’t something she needs right now, but allowing her to show us that she is responsible is important to her. We have to start at some point so why not start now?

Lucky for us, T-Mobile brings the best in wireless to prepaid.

They have the latest selection of smart phones that can be purchased at your local Wal-mart for a great deal and T-Mobile has nationwide 4G LTE on a Data Strong network (I think my 9 year old has better service than I do!)

What we really love is that for $40 a month (which really is not a lot) she can have
with no worries of her going over!

She loves being able to text her grandparents and aunts, and practice her blogging photography:

We have been incredibly happy with Buggy’s new phone and service and my checking account is definitely happy.

I can rest assured that there won’t be any overage charges and it allows Buggy the opportunity to prove to us that she is ready for a cell phone.

Of course, Simply Prepaid can be used for everyone in the family:

I’m curious though, did I miss any important rules that I should add? What are your kids’ cell phone rules?