New plans with content filters and expert advice aim to make smartphones safer for under 18s
EE's Safer SIMs and in-store safety chats will help parents manage their child’s first smartphone
Worried about your child getting their first phone? You’re not alone — but thankfully new laws and product launches are helping make this big step less stressful for parents, including the brand new under-18 mobile plan from EE.
EE has become the first major UK mobile network to launch smartphone plans specifically designed for under 18s — and they’re built with safety in mind.
The new Safer SIMs come with features like automatic adult content filtering, scam call protection, and spend caps. Plus, there’s “Stay Connected Data”, so kids can still get in touch even if they run out of data — ideal for keeping the family WhatsApp thread alive during the school run.
Claire Gillies, CEO of BT Group’s Consumer Division and a parent herself, said: “As a parent of a teenager, I too have had to balance the benefits and challenges that come with giving our children their first smartphone... Our new initiatives and resources are there for parents at every stage of their child’s adolescence.”
What do the new Safer SIMs include?
Launching in August 2025, the new SIM-only plans are available from £7/month and come in three tiers:
Protected Plan – best for younger teens: adult content blocked, scam call protection, slower speeds to limit streaming, and all premium numbers blocked.
Guided Plan – for early teens building independence: moderate content controls, 3GB data at normal speeds, and scam protection.
Trusted Plan – for older teens: same protections, with 10GB of data and higher browsing speeds.
All plans block charge-to-bill services and premium rate numbers – so no surprise charges if your child accidentally signs up for a ringtone subscription.
In-store appointments: advice that’s actually helpful
Two in five parents say they wish there was somewhere they could go for advice about keeping their child safe on a smartphone. EE is now offering free 30-minute online safety appointments in over 400 of its stores across the UK – and you don’t need to be an EE customer to book.
These sessions, led by trained EE Guides, offer practical help on setting up phones (new or hand-me-down), installing parental controls, and managing screen time. They’re supported by guidance from Internet Matters, the UK online safety non-profit.
“We are delighted to be supporting EE with these innovative new initiatives,” said Carolyn Bunting MBE, Co-CEO at Internet Matters. “These are positive steps to support families as the digital world continues to evolve.”
Making ‘the phone chat’ easier
If the thought of talking to your child about smartphone rules fills you with dread, you’re not alone — 1 in 5 parents say it’s more nerve-racking than the birds and the bees.
That’s why EE is also launching a new downloadable resource called The P.H.O.N.E Chat, designed to help families talk about the responsibility of owning a smartphone — from sharing passwords to handling group chats. It’s available now at ee.co.uk/ee-phone-chat, with printed versions coming to stores soon.
It builds on EE’s PhoneSmart course — a free, interactive online course that helps kids explore smartphone safety alongside their parents.
An initiative based on youth-led insight
What sets this initiative apart is EE’s new Youth Council, led by former Blue Peter presenter and mum Konnie Huq, and made up of young people giving direct insight into how smartphones impact their lives.
“That access means I have seen the dangers of being online, including cyberbullying and hacking,” said Belicia, a 15-year-old Youth Council member. “I wanted to help parents see the world through their children’s eyes.”
Their insights, along with findings from a national survey of over 4,000 parents and children, shaped EE’s approach — from the need for scam protection to the value of in-person guidance.
How to get a safer sim and protect your teen
Safer SIMs are launching in EE stores in August, starting at £7/month
In-store online safety appointments: available to book now at participating EE stores
The P.H.O.N.E Chat: download today from ee.co.uk/ee-phone-chat
Whether your child is heading into Year 7 or you’re navigating social media dramas with a GCSE student, EE’s new family-focused tools aim to give parents confidence — and kids a safer start online.