What's Different About Phones and Phone Plans for Kids?

Phones and phone plans for kids typically include features that allow parents to control how much their children are able to access from their phones. Parents can control app usage, filter inappropriate content, and even limit screen time, allowing them to set clear boundaries and help their children safely connect—without feeling like they're giving too much freedom too soon.

Settings can be easily adjusted as children’s responsibilities and online activities evolve, helping parents ensure their child’s phone access is appropriate for their age and needs.

When Is the Right Age for a Child’s First Phone?

Experts typically agree that there isn’t a universal "right" age—it depends on the parents’ assessment of their child’s readiness. By age 12, 75% of children have their own phone, and nearly all children have one by age 15.(1)

This may be because many children begin to develop the cognitive skills required to safely navigate the digital world around the ages of 10 to 12—with parental supervision. But this can vary greatly from one child to another.

When choosing a phone or plan for your child, the decision ultimately rests with how you feel about their readiness. Each child is different, so finding a solution that fits their specific needs is key. Consider important factors such as safety features, ease of use, and the overall affordability of the plan to ensure it suits your family's lifestyle.

❕ Many kids plans offer built-in parental tools for monitoring or restricting content, limiting app usage, and controlling screen time, helping you manage how your child uses their phone.

Indicators Your Child May Be Ready for a Smartphone

It’s important to think about how a smartphone fits into your child’s day-to-day life. If your child has increased social responsibilities and participation in social activities, such as sports, clubs, or playdates, there may be a need for easier communication. Consider their ability to manage responsibilities at home and at school, and how prepared you think they might be to handle the online world safely.

There are a few signs that can suggest your child may be ready for a phone. If your child is regularly demonstrating responsibility with daily tasks or homework, this could also be an indicator of readiness. Additionally, a growing interest in using technology for creativity or learning might show they’re ready to explore this new level of independence. Phones can be a valuable tool to help children stay organized, access creative or educational resources, and communicate with friends and family.

Solo vs. Family Plans

Family Plans

  • Family plans usually offer reduced rates per line, saving you money overall
  • One bill for the entire family, reducing the hassle of multiple payments
  • Many family plans allow you to pause or cancel individual lines as needed, providing control over each family member's device

Solo Plans

  • Solo plans tailored for kids typically offer greater monitoring options, giving your child more autonomy while still allowing you to stay involved in their phone usage
  • Separate payment can keep your child’s line financially independent and help teach them budgeting skills

How Much Do Phone Plans Cost?

Phone plans for kids come in a range of pricing and options, depending on your preferences and how your child will use their phone. On average, you can expect plans to cost between $15 and $50 per month. Basic plans, typically on the lower end of this range, may include limited data, talk time, and texting, making them suitable for younger children who only need a phone for essential communication. More robust plans, often on the higher end, offer additional features like unlimited data or access to apps that can be useful for older children with more responsibilities or social activities.

Phone Plan Payment Styles

Prepaid Plans

  • Ideal for flexibility without being tied to long-term contracts
  • Provides cost control with prepaid monthly spending limits
  • Adjust usage or cancel the plan as needs evolve
  • Contract Plans
    • Ideal for a long-term solution with consistent pricing
    • Typically offers lower monthly costs in exchange for a longer commitment
    • Often comes with perks like device upgrades and additional features
    • Learn more about prepaid vs. contract plans.

    Limited Data Plans

    • Ideal for managing internet usage and reducing upfront costs
    • May result in excess data overage fees

    Unlimited Data Plans

    • Ideal for reliable access to the internet for directions, schoolwork, or staying in touch with family and friends
    • Eliminates the worry of overage fees, offering reliable access to data for school, communication, and entertainment
    • Learn more about limited vs. unlimited data plans.

    By understanding the features and costs, you can select a plan that fits your child's needs and ensures they have the right balance of access, safety, and responsibility.

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Our best-pick cell phone plan is Mint Mobile. With unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data for $15/month, it’s hard to beat. Although Mint Mobile is our editorial team’s favorite, your specific needs might better match up with a different company. When it comes to quality coverage and fair pricing, you can’t go wrong with the cell phone companies on our list.
    Our editorial team also chose Mint Mobile as its top cell phone provider. Mint Mobile’s Modern Family Plan is the most inclusive we’ve seen, meaning families of two can snag the no-setup-cost family deals as families of five.
    On the lower end, some providers offer unlimited talk, unlimited text, and limited data for $15/month.
    Our editorial team found that, for phone carriers who provide high-quality wireless networks and data, Mint Mobile provided the cheapest cell phone plans.
    Cell phone data refers to the wireless internet connectivity your phone can tap into from almost anywhere that has access to a mobile network. If you’re not connected to Wi-Fi but still able to stream media or web search on your phone, you’re using data. Data needs vary from customer to customer. For reference, 5GB of monthly data will allow you to browse the internet and social media for 50 hours.
    A traditional SIM card is a tiny chip a wireless carrier sends to their new phone plan customers. Your SIM card fits directly into your phone and connects your personal device to the broader network of your cell phone provider. An eSIM is the digital version of a SIM card. eSIM cards allow customers to skip the mailbox and sync to their new carrier immediately.
    For the price, Mint Mobile offers fantastic coverage. Mint Mobile connects its customers to T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G LTE Networks, which reach 99% of the United States population.