Children and teens can easily go over their cell phone data limit playing games, surfing the Internet, downloading music. When it comes to monitoring your child’s cell phone and data use, there are easy steps parents can take to ensure that their monthly bills don’t come as an unpleasant surprise. Better Business Bureau asked the major cell phone carriers for tips on overseeing family data usage.

In 2011, BBB received 38,420 complaints against cellular telephone services and equipment, making it the number one complaint category in the BBB system. While many of those complaints were due to data billing issues, there are ways to prevent this and the cell phone carriers are willing to work with consumers to monitor and, in some cases, lower their bills.

By being proactive, and aware of the data activity in which your child engages, you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, on your next cell phone bill. The cell phone industry has put together different data plans and restrictions that parents may want to consider if their child has a persistent problem of going over their data limit.

BBB has put together a compilation of the major cell phone carriers’ data plans and packages:

For AT&T users, parents should consider Smart Limits of Wireless, an online parental controls tool. Smart Limits for Wireless lets parents set limits on how and when their child can use their phone, including setting a dollar limit for downloadable purchases. As the child approaches the download limits, he or she will receive an advance warning notification. And once a limit is reached, another notice is sent that the service will be stopped until the next billing cycle begins.

For Sprint users, parents can take advantage of Sprint Mobile Controls. Sprint Mobile Controls allow parents to clearly understand their child’s talk, text and app use habits. Parents can lock their child’s phone on-demand or schedule locks –during dinner, school or late at night.

For Verizon users, parents can set up and manage Usage Controls through their My Verizon account. Through the My Verizon Usage Controls, customers can keep a tight rein on their accounts’ usage. Families or individuals can control wireless budgets with monthly usage allowances on each controlled line for voice minutes, messaging, data and content purchases such as ringtones, games and downloads. They’ll receive free text message alerts when limits are nearing and when they are reached. Once the allowance is reached, there is also an option to restrict usage.

For more information pertaining to your individual cell phone carrier, BBB recommends contacting them directly to see what data overage protection plans can be applied to your personal account.

NOTE: T-Mobile did not respond to BBB’s request for information.

Better Business Bureau honored FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, Consumers Union leader James Guest, Amazon.com, Verizon and Villa Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center this evening at the BBB International Torch Awards in Washington, DC.  The Torch Awards are given by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to recognize businesses and executives exhibiting integrity in the marketplace and exemplary dedication to advancing trust between businesses and consumers.

“For several years, we have experienced an unmistakable crisis of trust in the marketplace but there are still many businesses and leaders who continue to carry the torch for ethics, honesty and respect for the consumer,” said Steve Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.  “By recognizing today the exemplary commitment of this select group, we hope to encourage all businesses and leaders to follow the examples set by our honorees.”

Sheila C. Bair, Chairman of the FDIC, was presented the President’s Award by Steve Cox.  “From restructuring federal oversight of the financial industry, to raising consumer awareness of subprime lending and foreclosure scams, to educating children on money and finance, Ms. Bair has charted an amazing course,” said Cox.

The Torch Award for Consumer Leadership went to James A. Guest, CEO of Consumers Union—publisher of Consumer Reports.  His award was presented by Robert Adler, a Commissioner with the Consumer Product and Safety Commission.  “Throughout his career, Mr. Guest has been a tireless advocate for the consumer’s right to know about, and to be protected from, unsafe and misleading products and services,” said Mr. Adler.

Amazon.com, Inc. received the Torch Award for Advancing Marketplace Trust, which recognizes businesses that set high standards of excellence for trust through innovative voluntary actions, programs or sustainment activities. Amazon.com was recognized for being a global leader in e-commerce and creating the highest standards for the online purchasing experience.

Two companies – Verizon and Villa Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center – received the Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence.

Verizon commits to putting its more than 100 million customers first by providing excellent service and great communications experiences.  Their goal is to operate at the highest level of integrity and accountability – from the way they serve their customers and shareowners to the way they impact their communities and the environment.  Villa Springfield has embodied the commitment and best practices of an ethical company with its mission to offer a superior level of care, treat every person with dignity, adopt innovative and progressive strategies, focus on residents’ well-being and provide impeccable customer service.

The BBB International Torch Awards was held this evening at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in downtown Washington, D.C. David Plouffe, political strategist and author of The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory delivered the keynote address and ABC 7/WJLA-TV co-anchor Horace Holmes served as Master of Ceremonies.

BBB would like to thank Hewlett Packard Company and Visa, Inc. as “Integrity Circle” sponsors of the event.

Presented annually since 1996, the BBB International Torch Awards recognize businesses and individuals that maintain outstanding dedication to upholding ethical business standards and promoting trust in the marketplace.  BBB Torch Awards are awarded locally by more than 80 BBBs across the U.S. and Canada and on the international stage by the Council of Better Business Bureaus – the national organization representing the BBB system.

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