I’m setting up phones for my two kids and I’m not sure if I should get separate prepaid lines, add them to a family plan, or use data-only with messaging apps. What’s the easiest/cheapest option that still lets me manage limits and keep their numbers if we switch carriers later?
Family plan is almost always the winner here - you get one bill, built-in parental controls through the carrier, and it’s usually cheaper than two separate prepaid lines once you do the math.
For number portability, just make sure the kids’ numbers are registered in your name from the start, then you can take those numbers anywhere you go.
Data-only + messaging apps sounds clever but gets annoying fast when they need to receive texts from schools, doctors, or two-factor auth codes - more hassle than it’s worth. 