AT&T announced the launch of Smart Limits for Wireless, a new initiative enabling parents with mobile phone-equipped teens and tweens to block messages and voice calls to and from designated numbers and establish a window of talk-time availability.

Smart Limits will also allow parents to filter access to mobile content services like chat and dating web sites as well as set dollar limits for download purchases like ringtones and games. The service is available for all AT&T devices and costs $4.99 a month.

According to research firm The Yankee Group, 72 percent of children ages 13 to 17 now carry mobile phones. More than 10.5 million children between the ages of eight and 12 are expected to follow suit by the end of the decade.

"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 AT&T chief marketing officer of wireless David Christopher in a prepared 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."

For more on Smart Limits:
-read this release [1]

Related articles:
AT&T [2], eMusic team for mobile download service
AT&T [3], MediaFLO announce mobile TV deal
AT&T [4] plans mobile advertising push