Sprint's service also allows customers to check specific names against the sex offender database, as well as sign-up to receive text alerts when registered sex offenders move near or away from any U.S. address the user enters.

If you've got a data-enabled Sprint phone, go to the mobile Web on your phone, type "family" in the search box and select FamilyWatchdog (standard data charges apply).

FamilyWatchdog is also available online at www.familywatchdog.us.

Sprint also announced that "Family Locator" is now available on more than 100 locatable phone models, including the new MUZIQ by LG and the popular UpStage by Samsung. Family Locator is a location-based service that uses your cell phone's GPS to enable a parent to use a phone or PC to locate a child on a map, without interrupting the child's activities.

The service also gives the address, surrounding landmarks and accuracy of the child's location within a specified radius. Safety Checks automatically alert a parent of the child's whereabouts at set times of the day, such as after school or at curfew. "Family Locator" costs $9.99 per month, and lets parents locate up to four family members.

More details available at Sprint's website.