Curbing your kids' mounting cell bills

(WPRI) -- If you have kids with cell phones, you may be ringing up expenses faster than expected -- but most companies now will let you put a cap on minutes, texting and data plans to keep them from adding up -- and up and up.

Children and teens easily go over cell phone data limits -- between using Facebook or other apps, or talking to friends -- and parents!

What's more, in 2011, the Better Business Bureau received more than 38,000 complaints against cell phone services, making them the number one complaint in the BBB's system. Most of the complaints were data billing issues.

The good news is, cell phone providers are willing to work with you to monitor -- and even lower your bills.

AT&T customers have the option of "Smart Limits For Wireless." The program allows parents to set limits on how and when their kids can use their phones, including setting a dollar limit for downloadable purchases.

Verizon users can keep a tight rein on their kids' usage by controlling budgets on messaging, data and content purchases. Parents can even receive free text message alerts when limits are nearing.

Sprint users can use "Sprint Mobile Controls," which allow parents to clearly understand their child's talk, text and app use habits. It also lets parents lock their child's phone on demand.

In several of these plans, parents can also control what hours their children can use the phone, if, for example, you don't want them texting or talking after 7 p.m.

Talk to your provider for more information about how to set limits.