




Finding the best mobile plans for kids and teens
Our team of mobile plan experts have compared 326 SIM-only plans from 48 mobile providers in Australia. We've curated 5 top picks based on price, data, network and expert analysis. Not all mobile plans are created equal, so make sure you compare your options before choosing the right one for you.
Why you can trust our research
326 Mobile plans analysed
758 Australians surveyed
180+ hours of research
Best value mobile plan for kids and teens
iiNet Small Plan
Calls & Text
data
per month
$12.50/mth for the first 6 months, then $25/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply.
Pros & cons:
- iiNet’s offer will save you $75 over 6 months.
- The plan includes 100 international minutes and 100 texts to 31 selected countries.
- Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- The price reverts to $25 a month after 6 months.
Mobile network: Vodafone 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $225
Why we chose it
To choose the best mobile plan for kids and teens to avoid bill shock, we looked at plans in our database from Finder partners that cost under $35 a month. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost over 12 (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner and the cheapest cost.
Best mobile plans for kids and teens with parental control features
Spriggy Mobile Essential
Calls & Text
data
per month
$25/mth for the first 3 months, then $30/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 28.2.25
Pros & cons:
- Parental control features include the option to monitor ongoing calls and turn their data on and off using Spriggy's mobile app.
- New bedtime mode feature will be coming soon. It’ll help you ensure your kid’s not on their phone between 8pm and 8am.
- The plan stacks up well against our $1 per GB benchmark. The data allowance is plenty especially if you’re streaming content on YouTube and such regularly.
- You can rollover unused data up to 75GB.
- The plan will auto-renew by default. If you decide to cancel the plan, make sure to do it before the next billing cycle.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $345
Why we chose it
To choose the best mobile plan for kids and teens with parental controls, we looked at plans in our database from Finder partners that cost $40 a month or less and had some sort of parental control feature. We then gave each plan a value score by weighting different factors including cost over 12 (including promotional offers), network coverage, international call inclusions, data rollover and Wi-Fi calling. Our top pick was chosen based on the plan with the highest value score from a Finder partner and the cheapest cost.
Best mobile plan for kids and teens on the Optus network
Southern Phone Small
Calls & Text
data
per month
$14/mth for the first 6 months, then $24/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 15.4.25
Pros & cons:
- You’ll save $60 over 6 months with Southern Phone’s current offer.
- $50 international call credit included.
- There’s no lock-in contract so you can leave whenever you want. You can also BYO number and sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset.
- All of its mobile plans are carbon neutral.
- The price of the plan reverts to $24 a month after 6 months.
Mobile network: Optus 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $228
Why we chose it
To choose the best mobile plan for kids and teens that run on the Optus network, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $40 a month or less and on Telstra's full or wholesale network. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Best mobile plan for kids and teens on the Telstra network
Tangerine 25GB 5G SIM
Calls & Text
data
per month
$14.50/mth for the first 4 months, then $29/mth. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 28.2.25
Pros & cons:
- You can bank up to 1000GB of unused data for future use.
- Save 10% on your mobile bill when you bundle with one of Tangerine's broadband plans.
- Unlimited calls and texts to 15 selected countries.
- Option to sign up via an eSIM if you have a compatible handset. This way you won’t have to wait for a physical SIM card to be delivered.
- You can sign up for Tangerine’s 12GB plan for $22 a month now or switch after four months if you want to save on ongoing costs and don’t need that much data.
- There's a $3.50 charge for non-direct debit payments.
Mobile network: Wholesale Telstra 4G/5G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $290
Why we chose it
To choose the best mobile plan for coverage for kids and teens, we looked at options in our database from Finder partners that cost $40 a month or less and on Telstra's full or wholesale network. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
Best long-expiry prepaid plan for kids and teens
Catch Connect 365 Day Plan 200GB
Calls & Text
data
per 365 days
$149 for the first recharge, then $200/recharge after. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Ends 25.2.25
Pros & cons:
- You’re essentially paying $12 for 16GB each month. This is a great price for how much data you’re getting in return.
- Catch offers a handy mobile app to help you track data usage and manage your plan.
- The price of the plan reverts to $200 from the second recharge. However, you can easily switch providers after your 12 months are up.
Mobile network: Optus 4G network
Total cost over first 12 months: $149
Why we chose it
To choose the best long-expiry prepaid mobile plan for kids and teens, we looked at 365-day plans in our database from Finder partners that cost $150 or less. Of the plans that met our criteria, we then ranked them by our value score and went with the highest-ranking plan.
How do I find the best mobile plan for my kid?
We understand that staying connected with your kids wherever they are is a top priority.
If you're a parent looking to get your kid or teenager on the right mobile plan, here's a breakdown of some key points to consider.
1. Don't pay too much
You don't want to be spending a fortune on your kid's mobile plan. These days, most plans come with unlimited talk and text, so it's really just data you need to look out for.
Prepaid plans can be a great way to limit spending for your kid so you don't get hit with excess charges.
Long expiry plans can also be good value for money (and possibly cheaper overall) but you're going to have to commit to a minimum of 90 days.
2. Keep an eye on data usage
If your child's big on streaming and video calling on the go, you might want to consider opting for a decent data allowance instead of paying excess charges or topping up data on the fly.
The good news is that most mobile plans come with no lock-in contract these days, so you can always switch to a plan with more suitable data inclusions if one doesn't work out.
3. Check the provider's mobile app
To make sure your kid isn't going overboard on using the Internet while they're out and blowing through their mobile plan inclusions, consider providers that offer a user-friendly mobile app.
These apps can track your kids' data usage to help you avoid excess charges and make use of other features such as recharging your plan.
4. Cyber safety features
If you're worried about your child's safety online and how much time they spend on their screen, you can sign up to specific mobile providers that offer features to address your concerns.
Optus and Spriggy both offer family-friendly features across some of their mobile plans:
- Optus offers free access to The McAfee Safe Family App on the Optus Family Plan. This will help you with content restrictions, screen time rules and location tracking.
- Spriggy has multiple safety features such as being able to track who your kid’s calling and being able to turn their data on and off.
If these providers don’t meet your needs you can look into other third-party parental control apps instead.
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Trying to find mobile phone for teen with disability diagnoses. Safety and security of utmost importance.
Both iPhone and Android have a range of assistive features, so either could be good choices. In practice, it might make sense to opt for whichever platform you’re already using yourself, as you’ll be more familiar with it and can check/test features on your own device as well. Hope this helps.