Before the first bell rings, take a few minutes to get your family’s phone plan school-ready. A little planning now means your kids can reach you after practice, when a ride falls through, or when plans change last minute.
Smartphone or flip phone?
The biggest question for most families comes down to your child’s age and what you want the phone to do. At BTC, we offer various smartphone options, as well as the traditional flip phone.
For older students, a smartphone may be worth considering. Many schools now use apps for assignments and schedules, and a smartphone can help kids stay connected throughout the day. With smartphones, you can set up location-sharing apps and parental controls.
A traditional flip phone is the smarter choice if you want your child to have a phone for safety and staying in touch, without social media, games, and open internet access. It’s an easy, affordable way to give younger kids a way to call and text you while you keep peace of mind.
How much data do you need?
A good place to start is your past data usage— it tells you a lot about what your family actually needs. This can be found in your smartphone’s settings or your last cellular bill. From there, it’s easy to find a plan that fits your habits. A student who streams and uses apps on the go will naturally need more data than one who’s mostly on Wi-Fi at home and school.
Before the first day
- Set it up early so there are no surprises on day one.
- Save the important numbers — parents, grandparents, emergency contacts.
- Turn on safety features — location sharing and parental controls for smartphones; make sure flip phone users know how to call you and 911.
FAQ
Can I add just one line for my child? Yes. In most cases you can add a single line to your existing plan. Give us a call.
Do you offer flip phones too? We do. If you’d prefer a basic phone for calls and texts, we carry traditional flip phones and can set you up quickly.
How much data should I get? Look at recent usage and factor in the school schedule. We’re happy to recommend a plan.
Get school-ready
Whether you need a new line, a first smartphone, or a flip phone for your kid, we’re here to help, right in the community. Stop by our Pikeville or Dunlap office or call (423) 447-2121.