Mobile Plans for Kids

Compare a range of mobile plans for children and teenagers with Savvy today.

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, updated on October 26th, 2023       

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Kid mobile plan

We’ve partnered with Econnex to bring you a range of mobile phone plans to help you compare them.

Providing your child with a mobile phone can help keep them connected and safe. However, with so many different mobile plans available, where do you start?

That’s where Savvy comes in. Our 100% free online comparison tool lets you compare plans from a range of providers in minutes, helping you find a plan that suits your and your child’s needs. Start comparing today!

What types of mobile plans are available for children?

There are a variety of mobile plans on the market that are suitable for children, including:

  • Prepaid plans: a good option for parents who want to control their child’s mobile phone spending. With a prepaid plan, you pay for a certain amount of data, talk, and text upfront. Once your child runs out of data, talk, or text, they will need to top up their account before they can continue using their phone.
  • Postpaid plans: suited for parents who want to avoid having to top up their child's account on a regular basis – and want the peace of mind that their child will not run out of credit. With a postpaid plan, you pay a monthly bill based on your child’s usage.
  • Family plans: designed for families with multiple mobile phones. With a family plan, you can share a pool of data, talk, and text across all of the phones on the plan. This can be a more cost-effective option than having separate plans for each family member.

While there may not be specific plans tailored exclusively for children, many providers offer family-friendly features that cater to various age groups. For younger children, consider plans that focus on basic communication needs, such as calls and texts, along with limited data options for safety and emergencies. For teenagers, explore plans with higher data allowances, as they tend to engage in more online activities.

What should I look for when choosing a mobile plan for my child?

When choosing the best mobile plan for kids, there are several things you should consider:

  • Your child’s needs: tailor the plan to your child’s age and level of responsibility. Younger children may require more restricted plans focused on calls and texts, while older kids might benefit from plans with data for educational or social purposes.
  • Parental controls: look for plans that offer robust parental controls and safety features. These features can help you monitor and manage your child’s mobile usage, ensuring they stay safe online.
  • Data limits: determine how much data your child realistically needs. Consider their typical activities, such as browsing, gaming or streaming, and choose a plan with an appropriate data allowance.
  • Cost: assess your budget and choose a plan that aligns with it. Prepaid plans provide greater control over spending and are generally cheaper, while postpaid plans offer the convenience of monthly billing.
  • Network coverage: ensure that the plan provides good coverage in the areas where your child will most frequently use their phone, such as home, school and other common locations.
  • Emergency features: look for plans that offer features like emergency calls, location tracking or SOS buttons. These can be crucial for your child’s safety.

What are the benefits of getting a mobile plan for my child?

There are a number of benefits to mobile phone plans for children, including:

  • Safety: a mobile phone helps you keep track of your child’s whereabouts and ensures your child can reach you in case of emergencies or unexpected situations.
  • Convenience: a phone can be a great way for your child to stay in touch with friends and family. It can also be a convenient way for you to coordinate schedules with your child, such as picking them up from school.
  • Education: phones can be used for educational purposes, such as accessing online resources and completing homework assignments.
  • Independence: a mobile can give your child a sense of independence and responsibility and help them learn important life skills, such as how to manage their time and budget.
  • Peace of mind: get peace of mind knowing that you can reach your child at all times, and they can contact you.

What are the risks of giving my child a mobile phone?

While providing your child with a mobile phone offers many benefits, it's important to be aware of potential risks:

  • Cyberbullying:cyberbullying is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on your child’s mental health. It’s important to talk to your child about the risks of cyberbullying and how to stay safe online.
  • Addiction:mobile phones can be addictive, especially for young people. It’s important to set limits on how much time your child spends on their phone and to monitor their usage.
  • Inappropriate content:there is a lot of inappropriate content available online. It’s important to talk to your child about the dangers of inappropriate content and to use parental controls to block access to harmful websites and apps.
  • Distraction:mobile phones can be a distraction. It’s important to set rules about when and where your child can use their phone.
  • Financial costs: mobile phone plans can be expensive, especially if your child uses a lot of data or talk and text. It’s important to choose a plan that fits your budget and to monitor your child’s usage.
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Top tips for managing your child’s mobile phone usage

Set limits on screen time

Decide how much time your child is allowed to spend on their phone each day and stick to it.

Monitor their online activity

Use parental controls to monitor your child’s online activity and block any inappropriate websites or apps.

Talk to them about the risks

Talk to your child about the risks of cyberbullying, addiction and other potential problems associated with mobile phone usage.

Be a good role model

Set a good example for your child by limiting your own mobile phone usage.

Frequently asked questions about mobile plans for kids

Should I get a prepaid or postpaid phone plan for my child?

Whether to get a prepaid or postpaid phone plan depends on your preference and your child’s needs.   

  • Prepaid plans allow you to pay for a certain amount of data, talk and text upfront. They’re good for controlling spending and setting limits.
  • Postpaid plans require monthly payments based on usage. They can provide more flexibility but may require more oversight to avoid unexpected charges.
Should I get an individual phone plan for my child or a family plan?

Family phone plans can be a good option for families with multiple children. With a family plan, you can share a pool of data, calls and text across all of the phones on the plan. This can be more cost-effective than having separate plans for each child.

However, it is important to note that family plans often have data limits. If your child is a heavy data user, you may want to consider getting them an individual plan with a higher data allowance.

Can I set usage limits and restrictions on my child’s phone?

Yes – you can set usage limits and restrictions on your child’s phone. Most mobile phone providers offer parental controls that allow you to block specific websites and apps, set limits on screen time, and monitor your child's phone usage.

There are also a number of third-party parental control apps available. These apps can provide additional features, such as GPS tracking, geofencing and call and text monitoring.

Is there a minimum age that a child can have a mobile phone in Australia?

No – there is no minimum age that a child can have a mobile phone in Australia. However, it is important to consider your child's maturity level and needs before giving them a phone.

If you are unsure whether or not your child is ready for a mobile phone, talk to them about it. Ask them why they want a phone and how they plan to use it. You can also set some ground rules for phone use, such as how much time they can spend on their phone each day and what apps and websites they are allowed to use.

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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of mobile phone plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys a mobile phone plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing a mobile phone plan. For further information on the variety of mobile phone plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.