To Text or Not to Text: Parents vs. Teens - Page 2
To date, more than 80% of subscribers have set up recurring alerts or blocks, and the Safely Phone Controls service has sent parents over 3.5 million notifications. Sprint offers a 30-day free trial with subscription service available for $4.99 per phone per month thereafter.
According to Tasso Roumeliotis, CEO of Location Labs, Sprint Mobile Controls “… is much more streamlined for both the parents and the child. Our research shows that it actually improves communication. Kids are thrilled to get a smartphone and parents are relieved that they can ensure responsible usage. So, in this case, if a kid realizes that having the Phone Controls service on their phone enables them to get a phone sooner AND also enables them to get a powerful smartphone, its creates a win-win.” He explains that there is an implicit social contract in terms of the phone that a kid uses, but the parents pay for—and monitoring phone usage is just one example of a behavior that is expected.
Safely is the same company that has blazed a trail on other safety-related applications with Sprint Drive First (which prevents texting while driving) and Sprint Family Locator (which lets you see where your kids are right now). It has also partnered with other top-tier wireless carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Telefónica to expand their portfolio of innovative family safety services.
Tell us what you think? Would you use a service like this to help provide a cushion of safety and responsibility for your family?
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