IT ALL STARTS WITH THE P.H.O.N.E. CHAT

Giving your child a phone is a big deal. Not just for them, but for you too. You need to guide them through chats, safety on social media and everything online. That’s why we’ve created The P.H.O.N.E. Chat guide, in partnership with Internet Matters, providing useful online safety tips.

Prepare

Get ready, pick your moment and start thinking about what you want to say.

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Highlight

From stranger danger scams to oversharing online, talk about the hidden risks upfront and often.

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Own

Once it's posted online, it's hard to take back. So make sure they know to pause before they post.

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Prepare

Get ready, pick your moment and start thinking about what you want to say.

Learn more

Highlight

From stranger danger scams to oversharing online, talk about the hidden risks upfront and often.

Learn more

Own

Once it's posted online, it's hard to take back. So make sure they know to pause before they post.

Learn more

Get ready, pick your moment and start thinking about what you want to say.

Before the habits form, the apps pile up, and the phone becomes part of the furniture. Choose a relaxed moment at home or even go out for a walk.

Here’s some talking points to start you off:

explain that a phone isn’t just a gadget – it’s a big responsibility
be clear about what kind of phone they’re getting and what it can do
chat about trust, respect, and how you’ll handle things together
ask what they’re excited or worried about, and really listen

Resources

Visit PhoneSmart
My first connected device PDF from Internet Matters
Safety checklist from Internet Matters

Phones open the door to all sorts of online experiences.

And not always good ones. Your job? Help the child stay safe online by showing them how to spot the risks and handle them with confidence.

Here’s what to be on the lookout for:

strangers and scams - not everyone is who they say they are, so if anything feels off, they can always come to you, no judgement, no trouble
group chats - these can get overwhelming fast, remind them that it's okay to mute or leave the chat if it gets too much
peer pressure - it's fun to be social, but there shouldn't be pressure to reply instantly or get involved with everything, it's fine to take a step back
oversharing - talk about what's okay to share and what's better kept private (like personal info or photos they might regret later)

Resources

Set up safe guide from Internet Matters
Interactive anti-bullying tool from Internet Matters
Guide to online safety for children from Internet Matters
Online challenges guide from Internet Matters

A digital footprint is like your online shadow.

Make them aware that whatever they’ll share online will stay with them, forever.

A great conversation to have is around simple questions that children can ask themselves.

Is it kind? Kindness, respect and consent should be part of every post and message.
Is it true? Or could it cause harm or spread rumours?
Is it me? Does it reflect who you want to be? If you wouldn’t say it in person, then you probably shouldn’t post it.
Is it private? Am I sharing something personal about me or someone else?
Is it futureproof? Remember, deleted doesn’t always mean gone. Would I be okay with this being seen by a teacher, grandparent, or future boss?

Resources

Online reputation guide from Internet Matters
Privacy settings guide from Internet Matters

Negotiate

Work together to set the rules: when they can use their phone, which apps are okay and what happens if the rules are broken.

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Establish

Have regular check-ins, listen without judgement, and make space for questions as they go.

Learn more

Negotiate

Work together to set the rules: when they can use their phone, which apps are okay and what happens if the rules are broken.

Learn more

Establish

Have regular check-ins, listen without judgement, and make space for questions as they go.

Learn more

Boundaries are a good thing.

Learning how to say no and have boundaries can help your child feel safe online and give you peace of mind.

You can work together to agree on:

when and where phone use is okay (and when it’s not), what apps they can use and any that are off limits
consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for sticking to them
avoid bedtime battles by discussing the importance of switching off (literally) to rest and recharge
revisit these rules as your kid grows. Don’t hesitate to check in and update often

Resources

How to turn on Parental Controls
Call barring guide
My first connected device PDF from Internet Matters

Make sure to keep the conversation open.

Establish trust and remind your kid that they can always come to you with any worries on how to stay safe online.

Here’s how to do it:

make a mental note to check in often – like at dinner or on the school run
keep it judgement-free so they know they can come to you with anything
share your own online stories – good or bad (even the embarrassing ones)
be honest. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes you’ll need to figure it out together

Resources

Visit PhoneSmart
Help and advice from EE
Supporting children's digital journey from Internet Matters
Age-specific advice guides from Internet Matters

The P.H.O.N.E. Contract

A templated, adaptable agreement for parents and their children to set rules on how and when a smartphone is used, informed by parents, and the EE Youth Council.

Download the contract

Introducing Safer SIMs

EE is the only major network with SIMs designed to keep your kids safe on any smartphone. Our new plans are designed to help keep your children safer online when they’re using the UK’s best network.

Discover Safer SIMs