With the launch of iPhone 3GS, we are seeing more and more parents and teens hooking up to the Mac juice. For parents and teens with iPhones, this post is for you:
1) My Homework – FREE
A great little app to keep track of homework, classes, project and tests. Teens can use this to keep record of their own assignments or parents can use it to help keep tabs too.
2) iCurfew – $0.99
Love this, the best way for parents and kids to check-in. Instead of just saying “come back by curfew” you can say “come back by curfew and send me your iCurfew location at 9.” This way teens can go onto iCurfew and send their parents their location wherever they are. It is also great for pick-up location. If your child needs you to come and get them, instead of them having to figure out directions, they just send you their location directly.
3) Grocery IQ App $0.99
My mom was always forgetting things at the supermarket so it literally felt like we had to go everyday, or when we started driving we were always picking up “a few eggs” or “a thing of milk” and of course, when you run out and you already have your cereal poured…end. of. the. world. This app really helps.
4) The Good Guide FREE
This is awesome because it helps you find safe, healthy and green product while shopping in almost any category. For eco-conscious teens and parents who want to be a good role model, the Good Guide is great.
5) Sit Or Squat
Need a bathroom, like now? This app helps you know the closest, cleanest and public restrooms near you.
6) iWonder $14.99
Worried about your kids browsing the web on their phones? This is a great way to extend parental control software.
7) TextPlus FREE
If you are like me, or most teens I know, you text message all the time. Textplus is free, yes free unlimited text messaging. Gold.
8) Teen Tracker $4.99
This is a little iffy, but I wanted to put it out there. If you want to know where your teen is (a little more invasive than Zhiing) this will track them using GPS and monitor their speed, location and route.
9) iTopic $0.99
I love this application! If you run out of conversation with your friends or your teens, this has a list of thousands of great questions and conversation starters at a single tap.
10) SAT Test Prep $1.99
There are a lot of great SAT prep iPhone apps, this one is by Watermelon Express and is pretty cheap. They have ones for math and vocab and is a great way to test your kid in the car.
Worst iPhone Apps for Teens and Parents
1) Annoy-A-Teen $0.99
This supposedly emits a high pitched frequency that really annoys people under the age of 25. So, why don’t we just strap an anti-bark collar around your teen? Seriously, are teens animals now?
2) iBirthControl $0.99
Its a really annoying crying baby. Why would you buys this?
3) Say It! Digital Lips $0.99
I understand trying to help teens get socially brave, but having an application of lips (you choose ones closest to your race and generic make-up) say things for you like, “You want to go to the dance with me?” is a serious deal breaker.
4) Teen Translator $0.99
I mean, just ask them. If you have to tell them to pause what they are saying, whip out your iPhone and look up what “ttyl” is, you have lost them anyways.
5) Teen Drug Use: 34 Warning Signs FREE
The picture for this application is astonishing, is that ‘teen’ like 30? Was this found in a box of 70′s Health class materials? If you whip this out to look at the gradient of your teens bloodshot eyes, you have bigger problems than a drug-using teen.
6) TeeNiner: Turn Phone Numbers into Words FREE
My number turned into absolotely nothing, neither did my boyfriend’s, neither did my parents. If your kids have trouble remember your numbers or you just want to see if your number is accidently “You-Are-Dumb” then this is a great waste of time.
Suggestions?
i think the iphone is really good i have got he white 3gs im 12 and want to no if you can get a app for bluetooh as i cant be bothered to alawys down load songs and pictures from my laptop
would love to see ongoing “best and worst iphone apps” and see teens submit their favorites. There’s so many apps out there that you never have a chance to try out and it would be great to hear about them.
you are totally right! We are adding an update this week, so stay tuned!
Vanessa
I have been using an app for my 5-year old in the last few weeks and it’s been helpful to keep her whining down and get her to do things I want her to do. It’s free and you should give it a try. Star Rewards at http://www.vitapoly.com/starrewards
What about fun apps like PrankMe and so…
Amy from Sprint here – If you don’t own an iPhone but have a BlackBerry or Android phone, try these parenting apps:
BugMe! Notes and Alarms – The quick and easy note-taker for BlackBerry smartphones, BugMe! users can jot notes, ideas and errands and easily set reminders to sound an alarm and pop up an alert when the item is due. Available through BlackBerry App World. $4.99/download
MomsZeal – Discuss parenting and anything about being a mom anytime, virtually anywhere on your phone. Community members can post thoughts, questions, comments and answers. Available through the Android Market for HTC Hero and Samsung Moment from Sprint. FREE