We’d recommend a non-smart device. It means your child can text and call but can’t access social media or inappropriate content.
Need to know
The best way to protect your kids online is to create a safe and honest environment for you to talk about online safety.
When to get them a phone
Set up a new or old phone
If you don’t want to give your child a brand new phone, you can look at a refurbished one, or hand down one you already have.
Follow our guide on setting up a device for a child, and what to do if it’s a hand-me-down.
You can book an appointment with an EE Guide in your local store, where they’ll reset, clean and set up parental controls for you.
How to choose the right plan
You can choose between a Safer SIM plan with locked settings designed for children, or a standard plan with customisable features.
| Safer SIMs | We’ve created plans specific for children under 18. They have moderate or strict parental controls that the account holder is in control of. Roaming is switched on for EU only. We’ll also block charges like in-app purchases and competitions. |
| Standard plans | Our standard plans are available for people of all ages. You can add parental controls but they can also be removed in the EE app or by texting 150. Find out how to set up parental controls on a standard plan. You also have the option of using Set Up Safe. This will block things like roaming and premium calls. Once set up, the account holder can only change the settings by phoning us. You can't use Set Up Safe on a Safer SIM plan. |
About our Safer SIMs
We've designed our Safer SIM plans for children under 18, they have locked settings to keep them safer.
What Safer SIMs help you do
| Set up parental controls on their mobile | They’ll have either a moderate or strict block on harmful and adult websites that you can’t remove. See our guide on mobile parental controls. |
| Stop roaming charges you don’t want | They'll only be able to roam in the EU. Use a Spend Cap to control their roaming costs. They’ll still be able to connect to WiFi. Find out how roaming works on Safer SIMs. |
| Set a Spend Cap | You can limit their spending on things that aren’t included in their plan. Find out more about Spend Caps. |
| Block premium texts and calls | They won’t be able to text or call any premium numbers. |
| Stay connected to emergency apps | Even if they run out of data, they’ll be able to use apps like WhatsApp and maps. Find out more about Stay Connected data. |
What Safer SIMs don't do
| Block access on other networks or devices | Parental controls on a phone can only block websites when they’re connected to the EE mobile network. When they connect to a WiFi network or a different connection, there may not be any restrictions. Also, if your child has access to a different device like a tablet or laptop that doesn’t have parental controls, they may be able to see harmful content. 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. |
| Block messages or calls from strangers | A Safer SIM doesn’t stop any strangers trying to contact your child. Internet Matters has support on how to build trust, so your child knows what they should do in these situations. |
| Stop the sharing of inappropriate messages or content with others | It’s important to help your child learn what they should and shouldn’t share with their friends, or with strangers. Internet Matters can help to guide you on how to teach them about online safety. |
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