Health & Fitness
Verizon Empowers Parents with New Cell Phone Usage Monitoring Dashboard
FamilyBase allows parents to view children's contact lists, who and when they are calling or texting, and which apps they are using most.
Verizon Wireless today unveiled FamilyBase, a new monitoring dashboard for parents that equips them with the data they need to make appropriate decisions about their kids’ cell phone privileges. Seventy-eight percent of teens now have cell phones, and almost half own smartphones, according to a March 2013 study by Pew Internet & American Life Project.
FamilyBase enables parents to define allowable times for use, lock the device on-demand, and view a list of the apps installed on a child’s device and which they use the most. It gives parents insight into their kids’ contact lists and the ability to add always-trusted contacts or block those that are undesirable.
Parents can use FamilyBase to set limits on data, text and voice, and it also gives them the ability to reward conscientious kids with an allowance for purchasing apps or music.
Find out what's happening in Mauldinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Parents are concerned about teaching their kids responsible cell phone use,” said Jerry Fountain, Verizon Wireless president for the Carolinas and Tennessee. “This new tool gives them the data and control they need to have good conversations, set boundaries and reward responsible behavior.”
FamilyBase is available to Verizon Wireless customers for $5 per month per account, and the first month is free.