Last summer we decided that as Roo would be heading to the local park and playing out on our estate that it would be easier to keep in touch if she had her own mobile phone. Initially, we had wanted to hold this decision off until she was about to start high school. However, given that most of her friends already have mobile phones it seemed we were a little behind the times.
We opted to purchase a basic 30-day rolling contract sim as she would only be utilising the phone for when she was out and about. And whilst this has served her well, she is now about to start high school and has started to get regular access to her phone. Whilst utilising the home WiFi is adequate for sending WhatsApp messages to arrange plans, she still required access whilst she was out with friends. Or during her recent stay at her Granny’s house (who doesn’t have WiFi – I know, not sure how she survives!).
What Is the O2 Family Plan?
For one reason or another between myself, Mr Boo and Roo we were all on different contracts, tariffs and even network providers. However, with my contract coming up for renewal and Roo only on a rolling 30-day sim card we opted to take a look at O2 Family Plan tariffs, discounts and benefits.
The O2 Family Plan offers a range of tariffs, services and perks to help family life run a little more smoothly (if that is even possible?). Make family time count with advanced parental controls, exclusive Priority offers and one simple bill for all the connections plus discounts on each connection added (saving up to 40% on tariffs).
O2 Family Plan – What Are The Benefits Of Joining?
O2 family Plan tariffs
The O2 Family Plan offers a range of different tariffs depending upon what usage you are looking for. Personally, we tend to go for as much data allowance as possible within our budget and forgo minutes and texts. However, the O2 tariffs offer unlimited texts and minutes so the key decision to be made is how much data you require.
Whilst the tariffs themselves offer great value for money with my O2 plan costing £17 per month for 8GB of data. It is the option to add additional sims to your contract that really starts to make it stand out from the rest. By adding an additional sim to my contract for Roo (opting to give her the same 8GB of data – better to have too much than not enough) I can save 20% on the monthly cost via the O2 Family Plan.
With up to 20 connections available to be added to one simple bill system even the largest of UK families can save. New connections need to be requested within 28 days of the sim being activated. With a text message sent to O2 to request the connection and discount – it’s worth noting that this process can take a few days so better to do as soon as possible after receiving any new sim cards.
Qustodio
One of the benefits given on the O2 Family Plan is free access to Qustodio Premium. An award-winning parental control app that lets parents keep an eye on their child’s device from their phone. As well as be able to set rules for screen time, app usage etc.
Qustodio Premium Features:
- Block Pornography – Qustodio’s real-time internet filter blocks inappropriate content even in private browsing mode.
- View Social Network Activity – Monitor time spent on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Whatsapp and more.
- Balance Screen Time – Easily set a time schedule or limits for how much internet time is allowed each day.
- Control Games & Apps – Set time limits for games & apps or block apps you don’t want from running altogether.
- Track Calls & SMS – See who your child calls or texts most, read text messages, and set a list of blocked contacts.
- Location Tracking and Panic Button – Track your child’s location. In an emergency, your child can use the Panic Button to call for help.
Find out more here – https://www.qustodio.com/en/
Given the number of news stories on cyberbullying etc. This app can give parents peace of mind about social media activity and messages that their child may otherwise not tell them about.
O2 Priority
We all like to get a little something back from the services that we use day in, day out. O2 realise this and offer a wide range of O2 Priority perks. From entering prize draws, discounts on food and drink, shopping and entertainment. This summer we have made use of the 50% Merlin attractions discount with a trip to Chessington World of Adventures, free hot drinks in Cafe Nero and have booked a surprise treat for Roo to go up and over The O2 later this year.
Alongside this there is also access to Priority Tickets to thousands of gigs and events, up to 48 hours before general sale – so we will be looking out for WWE tickets!
The Priority app is updated regularly, so always worth looking to see what discounts and offers are available.
Find out more – https://priority.o2.co.uk/
O2 Gurus
Whilst we like to think of ourselves as tech-savvy, there is still a whole host of things that crop up that we are unsure of. As parents, I think we second guess everything so it’s great to know that the O2 Gurus are on standby for advice and know-how. Whether it is assisting on the best handsets for your child or how to set up parental controls. Working alongside their NSPCC team they are able to help and assist in keeping children safe online.
How much technology should children use?
How much technology should children have access to? When should they get their first phone? Does screen time affect kids? Kids are using phones, laptops and tablets even earlier in life. So when should you let them have access to them? Mumsnet has got you covered!
This post is in collaboration with Mumsnet and O2 Family Plan
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