Zact Mobile - Getting Your Child Started Successfully #MC #sponsored

I participated in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Zact. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

As the parent of a tween, the struggle with the need for her increased amount of freedom is coupled with my worry over safety. Having the ability of to keep in touch quickly comes with some possible smartphone issues including things such as texting issues, data overage, inappropriate internet surfing as well social bullying. As parents, we worry enough... the last thing that I want to worry about are smartphone issues.

Thankfully Zact Mobile offers great solutions that permits parent to easily set designated parental controls. Zact gives parents the ability to set allowances on talk, text and data time. Curfews can also be set easily (such as meal and bed times) along with capability to set access to or block certain contacts as well as control which apps are allowed to be accessed by your child.

Parental Controls with Zact from Zact Mobile on Vimeo.

About Zact Mobile
 
Zact is a no contract smart mobile service with nationwide coverage that allows you completely customize and save, right from your device. With Zact you save big because you pay only for what you use, and you get money back towards your next month’s bill if you
don’t use all of your service. Zact was recently awarded the seal of approval from The National Parenting Center and their average monthly bill is only $22! 

So, if your kids are asking for a smartphone this holiday season, make sure to check out Zact Mobile and learn how their features help provide parents peace of mind! Pin It

*AT&T Mobile Safety School Tips* For Parents

Most days, I absolutely LOVE and appreciate technology. But with the advancements of technology also comes some concerns where my children become more and more involved with these electronics. Sadly, the kids today face several issues especially when it comes to mobile phone usage such as bullying, privacy, over-usage, texting while driving and more.

AT&T has created a program called AT&T Mobile Safety School to provide education, resources and tools to help families better manage mobile safety and are committed to being a leader in this cause. 

Recently, AT&T conducted a study of 1,000 parents and 500 kids – ages 8-17 – on a variety of topics that relate to mobile phones, devices and other issues. The results of this study provided some powerful information.

Have you ever wondered what the appropriate age is to give a child a mobile phone (I know I have)? While there isn't an age that is set in stone... or what people may deem as the *right* age, based on this study, the average age of children getting their first mobile phone is 12.1.

Wondered what the average age is by age group?

• Age 8-11 – average age 9.5 yrs
• Age 12-14 – average age 11.3 yrs
• Age 15-17 – average age 13.3 yrs

Parent Concerns

• 89% are worried about texting and driving
• 67% are concerned about bullying text messages
• 69% are concerned about sexually suggestive messages
• 77% are worried about their kids receiving calls from unknown numbers.

So, what are kids actually experiencing and are the above mentioned Parent Concerns warranted. Sadly, yes.

• 53% of kids have been in a motor vehicle with someone who was texting and driving
• Over 1 in 5 have received a mean or bullying text message from another kid on their mobile phone
• Almost half (46%) have a friend who has received a message or picture that their parents would not have liked because it was too sexual
• 69% have answered a call from an unknown number

Do Parents Set Cell Phone Usage Rules For Their Kids?

AT&T found that just over half (66%) of kids said that they actually have rules in place for their phone usage, however 90% would be comfortable with rules IF they were set by parents. 

Interestingly, 93% of kids have rules on their phones at school. No rules at home, this might be the perfect opportunity to transition to implement some of these rules right into your home. 

What kind of rules do you have or thinking of implementing in your home?

While each child is unique, there are safety topics and themes that resonate within specific age groups:

Are families discussing mobile safety?

• 2 out of 5 kids with a mobile phone say their parents have not talked to them about staying safe and secure when using the mobile phone
• Kids are more likely to have discussed every other safety issue with their parents – protecting yourself from strangers, alcohol and drugs, sex education

Get The Conversation Started!

• AT&T found that these real families helped uncover some interesting issues. This study helped us understand that we can’t just sit back and see what happens. Families need to be provided tools and tips to address the growing list of wireless safety issues.
• AT&T is a partner, not just a provider.
• AT&T's goal is to empower parents to start the conversation about mobile safety, and move away from focusing on restricting their children’s connectivity. 

Interested in learning more? AT&T has put together a variety of resources to help parents. From learning what other families are doing through videos, or downloadable tip sheets, the website at http://www.att.com/familysafety to access this valuable information.

Join the TWITTER party!

AT&T will be hosting a Twitter party on Friday, Nov. 9, at 2pm ET.

Join HERE: http://twtvite.com/attmobilesafety

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: This post was part of a compensated AT&T Mobile Safety program through The Motherhood. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]

Pin It

AT&T Mobile Safety School {$50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

Most days, I absolutely LOVE and appreciate technology. But with the advancements of technology also comes some concerns where my children become more and more involved with these electronics. Sadly, the kids today face several issues especially when it comes to mobile phone usage such as bullying, privacy, over-usage, texting while driving and more.

AT&T has created a program called AT&T Mobile Safety School to provide education, resources and tools to help families better manage mobile safety and are committed to being a leader in this cause. If you are interested in learning more, AT&T is offering the opportunity to one of my readers to attend a virtual Mobile Safety School session – along with a $50 VISA gift card. 

The virtual Mobile Safety School schedule is as follows:

Oct. 23 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 8-11
Oct. 24 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 12-14
Oct. 25 at 1p ET – mobile safety for kids 15-17

Easily enter this giveaway on the Rafflecopter widget below. Please let me know in the comments section which session you would like to attend. I will choose a winner by Saturday, Oct. 20.

Pin It

Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® {Giveaway}

Did you know... Day Light Savings is quickly approaching in less than a week, November 6th to be exact! As you make the changes to all of your clocks around your house, you should take a quick second to test all of your smoke detectors.

Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) are asking parents to take a vital step to keep their kids safe at home – Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®.

Throughout October and the beginning of November,  Energizer is inviting parents across the country to join the Energizer Bunny® Brigade on Facebook for a chance to win free smoke alarms and batteries for their home or a grand prize of a home fire safety makeover. It’s a fun way to get people thinking about an important topic – home fire safety – and sharing positivity within their communities.

The message is simple, and the habit can be lifesaving. Thirty-eight percent of fatal fire injuries occur in homes without working smoke alarms, while 24 percent occur in homes in which at least one smoke alarm is present but fails to operate.*

Join the Energizer Bunny® Brigade on Facebook and enter to win on ace and friends too!

************************************************************

Win It


Thanks to the Energizer, TWO LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a smoke alarm equipped with Energizer batteries!

************************************************************

Pin It

First Alert: The Great Escape {Giveaway}

October is Fire Prevention Month! Are you as surprised as I am to hear that? In a study conducted by First Alert, 79% of Americans have a home escape plan in place in case of a fire or other emergencies. However, over half (51%) never practiced their plan and 29% have only practiced it once. I am sad to say, we fall in the minority {sigh}. We definitely plan to change that going forward!

To develop an effective fire escape plan, First Alert and the NFPA offer the following tips:

• Involve everyone in your household in developing a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Identify two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Make sure everyone in the home understands the plan. 

• Install smoke alarms throughout the home and test them monthly. Change batteries every six months to ensure proper function.

• Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor’s house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped.

• Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor’s home or a cellular phone once safely outside.

• Once you’re out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

It is suggested to practice your home fire escape plan at least twice a year, making drills as realistic as possible.  Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. The objective is to practice, not to frighten, so telling children there will be a drill before they go to bed can be as effective as a surprise drill.

Enter to win:  Like First Alert on Facebook for your chance to win fire safety-related prizes and even a “Great Escape” to Chicago!

********************************************************************

Buy It

To purchase your own First Alert Smoke Detectors or other products
visit their site HERE to find a store near you or visit their online retailer.

********************************************************************

Win It

 One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a First Alert VOICE Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm of their very own {RV $49.97}.

************************************************************

Pin It