AT&T Adds Parental Controls for Cell Phones

AT&T Inc. on Tuesday launched a Web-based feature that gives parents more control over their childrens mobile phone use.

AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless allows a parent to set usage limits on a childs talk time, text messages, instant messages and downloads. It also lets parents manage how and when a child can communicate, restrict access to mobile Web sites and allocate minutes among users of shared wireless plans.

AT&T said the service helps parents protect children from inappropriate calls, texts and Internet content by allowing parents to block numbers they deem inappropriate and filter access to content inappropriate for children on their childs phone. Parents can go online and change the limits at any time.

AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless enables parents to provide their children with the safety and convenience of wireless service while setting sensible boundaries for its use, said David Christopher, chief marketing officer for AT&Ts wireless unit. AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless gives parents peace of mind in knowing they will be able to keep in touch with their children but will avoid unexpected overage charges on their bill.

Calls and text messages to and from numbers designated as allowed numbers and calls to 911 are permitted regardless of restrictions to allow families to keep in touch.

AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless is available for $4.99 a month for each line. No special handset is required.

AT&T Inc. www.att.com