If you're giving your child an affordable smartphone, it's important to balance filtering features and cost. Recently, I looked into various cheap SIM cards and plans, and surprisingly, there are quite a few options for services tailored to kids.

In general, if you want to give your child an iPhone, LINEMO with comprehensive parental controls is the top candidate. It offers stable connection speeds and easy age-based filtering settings. However, since it's a pay-as-you-go plan, you need to watch out for overuse. On the other hand, if you're considering an Android smartphone and prioritize cost, LinksMate is a good choice. Starting at 902 yen per month, it also offers free access to "i-Filter," making it perfect for parents looking for budget-friendly mobile plans.

If protecting your child's safety is the top priority, Tone Mobile is another option. It provides location tracking and app-specific time restrictions, giving parents peace of mind. However, its slower connection speed might not be suitable for children who frequently use their phones outside.

There are also services like povo, UQ Mobile, and AEON Mobile that offer plans specifically for kids. The key is to choose based on a balance of cost and features, matching your child's usage. If you're considering a budget mobile plan, comparing filtering capabilities and monthly fees is a good approach.