Need to know
Parental controls only work on a device when you're using our mobile network and not when you're using WiFi. Find out how to set up parental controls on WiFi.
Our different settings
We have 3 settings so you can choose the level of security you need.
- Strict - Kids (under 13).
- Moderate - Teens (13+).
- Off - Adults (18+).
When you join us, you’ll automatically have a moderate setting. Unless you’re on our Protected Safer SIM plan, then your plan is locked to strict.
| Strict | We block 18-rated websites and content the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rates as higher than PG. This includes social networking, chat and dating sites. Google SafeSearch is built in, so Google searches won't show websites that have unsecure or adult content. You can't turn this feature off, you'll need to change your parental controls to moderate or off. You can still access some apps and content, for example YouTube. |
| Moderate | You can access social networking sites but not 18-rated websites and content the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rates as higher than PG. |
| Off | You'll have full access to the internet, including 18-rated content. |
What's allowed on the strict and moderate setting?
| Moderate | Strict | |
|---|---|---|
| File sharing |  |  |
| Gambling | | |
| Nudity | | |
| Sex education | | |
| Social networking | | |
| Alcohol and tobacco | | |
| Drugs | | |
| Hate and self-harm | | |
| Obscene and tasteless | | |
| Pornography | | |
| Dating | | |
| Weapons and violence | | |
| Fashion and shopping | | |
| Games | | |
| Media streaming | | |
Some content, like apps and encrypted secure sites may contain adult material that won't be blocked by parental controls, so it’s important to stay aware of your child's internet use. Make sure your device has protection against viruses and illegal content.
If you see your child can access something that you believe is 18-rated, please send an email to safeguard@ee.co.uk so we can investigate.
Reasons parental controls may not work
Need to know
We block secure sites under the Strict setting (sites with https in the web address). This means some webpages you may have accessed before will now show as ‘Timed out’ or ‘No response’.
Parental controls only work when connected to the EE mobile network in the UK, and not when:
- connected to a WiFi network
- roaming
- there are certain privacy or security settings set up, like a VPN, Apple iCloud Private Relay or custom DNS settings
Mobile network parental controls aren't the only option available to help keep your kids safer online. We've created a handy guide explaining the different kinds of parental controls you can set up across different networks and devices.
Important information
- If you try to access 18-rated content with parental controls on, you’ll see a blocking page and you’ll need to complete a credit card age check using the online form if you want to view the content.
- If you're a business user, you may not have the permissions needed to change the settings and will need to contact your account manager.
- If you try to change your parental controls, we'll check your credit card details match the name and address on your EE bill. If you're an American Express or Diners card holder, we'll take £2 from your card to check your credit card details but will refund it straight away. ‘Content Lock removed’ will show up on your credit card bill.
Check or change your parental controls
There are different ways to change your parental controls.
EE App
- Log in to the EE app.
- Tap Manage at the bottom of your screen.
- Scroll down the page to Settings and tap Check settings.
- Check and change the parental controls.
On the EE website
- Log in to the EE website.
- Click on Manage.
- Select Plans & Subscriptions.
- Choose Manage mobile.
- Select the phone you want to set parental controls for.
- Scroll down and under Do more, you'll see Parental Controls.
- Select the setting you want and it'll be automatically saved.
Text
- Text STRICT or MODERATE to 150.
- On the phone you'd like to apply the new parental controls to, switch airplane mode on and off, or restart it to apply the controls.
You won't be able to text 150 if you're using a Safer SIM.
Phone
- Call 1818 from the EE phone you want to remove or apply parental controls to. You can't change them this way if calling from a Safer SIM plan.
- Call 150 from an EE phone.
- Call 08454 123 662 from any other phone.
In an EE store
Visit your local EE store with your photo ID. We accept a passport, full driver’s licence (photo and paper), EU card or citizen card.
To turn parental controls off, you must complete another credit card age check.
Keeping your kids safe online
We've worked with the charity Internet Matters to bring together their best advice on keeping your kids safer online.
Report illegal content or messages
If either you or your child stumbles across an image or video online which you suspect shows child sexual abuse or other illegal content, you can report securely and confidentially to the Internet Watch Foundation.
If you think your child is getting illegal or seriously offensive messages from an adult in a chat room or on a social networking site, you can report it to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.
Handing down a second-hand phone or SIM
Read our guide on setting up a phone for a child, which includes information on if it's a hand-me-down device.
If your child uses a device connected by 4GEE WiFi, make sure you apply the correct settings of parental controls to the 4GEE WiFi.