Though I’ve always laughed at toddlers on leashes at Costco and those maps that show homes of felons and deviants in your neighborhood, but the hypersensitive people who use these tools may actually be onto something. The world is scary.

AT&T’s solution isn’t quite as extreme as a kid on a leash, but it will certainly help protect them from getting into trouble. You can probably trust your kids in most scenarios, but the same cannot be said for their friends and strangers. Teenagers especially could use that added supervision.

AT&T Smart Limits would’ve kept the Wet Bandits away.

Today’s Gadget: AT&T Smart Controls, customizable limits you set for your kiddos, so they have the freedom of a cell phone with boundaries you’re comfortable with.

Read on for the deets!

I’m not that innocent

Maybe you’re scared of your daughter’s boyfriend or the not-so-great crew your kid has been hanging out with. Maybe your son is trustworthy but likes to talk to his pals way past his bedtime. Maybe the texting or app downloading has just gotten out of control. No matter the scenario, AT&T has a solution.

The coolest part is parents can tailor the plan to each child they have, start and stop it at any time and modify it whenever they like, with changes taking effect immediately.

AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless Includes:

• The ability to block incoming and outgoing calls and texts by specifying blocked numbers of delinquents you don’t want your kids in contact with
• Restriction of hours the phone can be used for messaging, browsing and outbound calling- No texting after 11 p.m., for instance.
• The option to set limits for the number of text messages and instant messages sent within each billing cycle
• Dollar limits for for downloadable purchases like ringtones, games and other apps
• Control over Web browsing and data usage allowed per billing cycle
• Content filters, to avoid inappropriate Web sites

Other Details:

• Calls and texts to and from numbers you designate as “Allowed Numbers” and calls to and from 911 will be allowed, regardless of the limits you set.
• As your child approaches their text and download limits, they’ll receive a warning so they won’t be cut-off out of nowhere. Once the limit is reached, they’ll be notified that that action was restricted, and that it will reset at the start of the next billing cycle.
• The product cannot currently be used to set specific monthly minutes- all incoming calls are allowed at all times, except from your designated “Blocked Numbers”
• Smart Limits does not restrict, block or filter data usage when on a WiFi network
• AT&T Smart Limits does not block or restrict Push to Talk, Blackberry e-mail or Blackberry Connect services

For a table of what Smart Limits for Wireless capabilities are compatible with your browsing/data services and features, visit ATT.com’s Smart Limits Page here.

Visit a local AT&T Store to activate Smart Controls- the cost is only $4.99 per month, which is cheaper than the overages you might already be facing due to midnight gab sessions or too many texts. Find a store near you using the AT&T Store Locator. 

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at ATT.com.