The largest mobile service provider in America has decided to rename and redesign its FamilyBase parental controls app into the new Verizon Smart Family service. It goes without saying that the rebranded version will see Verizon Wireless continue to offer the same functionalities of FamilyBase while introducing some fresh key features.
Managing kids’ usage of mobile devices has become a growing concern for many parents these days, and moms and dads who are signed up with the Big Red can rest assured a bit that the presence of the Verizon Smart Family app can help them limit their children’s unhealthy dependence on smartphones and tablet devices by allowing them to create content filters and even set handset usage time restrictions. Plus, there is location monitoring.
With the new Verizon Smart Family service, as many as 10 members of the family can take full advantage of the mobile app. While it is true that its content filters are indispensable to any concerned parent, the app’s ability to help adults block unwanted contacts is also a very welcome feature. So are other functionalities such as the ability to view their kid’s text messages and phone call log, and tracking the battery level of the handset the child is using.
As for usage limits, it allows parents some flexibility in making sure their kids are not glue to smartphone and tablet screens all the time. The restrictions can be set in a number of ways -- for instance, the Wi-Fi access can be deactivated after a specific time period has passed, or when the child has exceeded a certain amount of data gigabytes. Of course, parents can always disable the limits in specific scenarios, like when their kid gets all the Internet time he needs in order to finish homework that night. The usage restrictions can also be applied depending on the number of minutes used for phone calls, the number of text messages sent, and even according to the total purchase amounts allowed on a monthly basis.
One of the new features integrated into the redesigned Verizon Smart Family app is location tracking. Simply put, this functionality allows moms and dads to be updated with their child’s location at a given time. This can come immensely handy when checking if the kid is indeed in school for instance, and if their son or daughter goes outside a preset location radius, parents can get alerts about it.
To know more about what the Big Red can offer, explore existing Verizon plans right now (or plans from other carriers), or check out our review of Verizon Wireless.
