Mississippi’s largest telecommunications company, C Spire, is expanding its initiative to provide parents with controls on their children’s cell phones.
Dubbed by C Spire as “Connect & Protect,” the existing initiative aims to keep families connected and children protected will now include new features. In addition to parents already being able to track the location of their child’s phone and restrict internet and social media usage when their children are not connected to Wi-Fi, new safeguards include the ability to restrict overall cellular data, block specific apps, and filter adult content – all while having nationwide talk and text options.
“At C Spire, we do recognize the digital threats posed by social media and excessive screen time in children,” C Spire President and CEO Suzy Hays said, per a news release. “The impact on children since 2010 is well documented, with alarming increases in psychological disorders, self-harm, and even suicide as teens now spend over seven hours a day on their devices. Our goal at C Spire is that our Connect & Protect suite of solutions for parents will provide tools and peace of mind as parents navigate the digital world with their children.”
C Spire made the changes to its Connect & Protect initiative after surveying parents across Mississippi, where the national company was founded and is headquartered. Through the survey, officials said they found two-thirds of those looking to purchase their child a cell phone wanted them to have access to the internet and social media but with personalized parental monitoring.
Additionally, 35% of parents surveyed said content restrictions and the personalization of accessible content were leading factors when thinking about buying their child a phone or device. In response, C Spire hopes the new Connect & Protect features will allow parents to establish reasonable boundaries while helping kids build healthy digital media habits.
“Connect & Protect allows us to address parents’ concerns regarding technology use and provide the tools and technology to help them make informed decisions,” C Spire SVP for Strategy Lee J. Webb said. “Ultimately, we want to assist families and children with developing healthy tech habits.”
C Spire’s Connect & protect plans start at $30 per month and come with a guided parental control setup. The telecommunications company also offers a Parents’ Resource Center that provides information and tips to help parents decide on their kids’ first phones, set screen time limits, and learn about cyberbullying. Learn more here.
