AT&T announced that it is launching a Web-based parental control service, allowing parents to place restrictions on children's phones' talk time, text messages and downloads. The service also allows parents to control what times of day the phone can used, which numbers children can call and how often. Since the program is Web-based, parents can go online at any time and modify the limits set for each phone.

"AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless enables parents to provide their children with the safety and convenience of wireless service while setting sensible boundaries for its use," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer for AT&T's wireless unit, in a company statement. "AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless gives parents peace of mind in knowing they will be able to keep in touch with their children but will avoid unexpected overage charges on their bill."

AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless is the latest addition to the AT&T's Smart Limits program, a parental control initiative across AT&T's wireless, wired, broadband and video services. According to a recent AT&T customer survey, nearly 84% of respondents believed that parental controls and safety tools are extremely or very important in keeping children safe while they use today's entertainment and communications technologies.

AT&T's new Smart Limits for Wireless service is available starting immediately for $4.99 a month for each line.