While many networks offer plans with parental controls, few design their plans specifically with kids in mind – there’s ParentShield, but nothing of the sort from big-name networks. That’s about to change though, as EE has announced that it’s launching a set of plans designed for under 18s.
These will launch next month (August) and they’re called ‘Safer SIMs’, but there will be three different options to choose from.
There’s the ‘Protected Plan’, which has low 0.5Mbps speeds to restrict streaming, strict content controls for accessing websites, unlimited calls and texts, and protection against scam calls. This EE claims is ideal for users in their first few years of secondary school.
For slightly older kids, there’s the ‘Guided Plan’, which EE claims is ideal for early teenage years. This includes moderate content controls when accessing websites, comes with 3GB of data at 10Mbps speeds, unlimited calls and texts, and scam call protection.
Finally, there’s ‘Trusted Plan’, which is designed for older teenagers and has moderate content controls, 10GB of data at 100Mbps speeds, unlimited calls and texts, and scam call protection.
All of these plans also block 150 text services and the ability to charge things to your plan, and they come with data gifting and Stay Connected Data – the latter of which means even if you use up your allowance, you can still connect at a low speed so you can keep in touch.
They’re all 30-day SIM Only plans, with prices starting at £7 per month, and the Guided Plan will additionally be available on Pay As You Go.
There's an appetite for plans like these
These plans could prove popular, as EE – in partnership with British Polling Council member Opinium – has found that only 52% of parents feel they have the right tools and guidance to manage their child’s smartphone and social media use, and that 78% of children claim they conceal some of their online activity from their parents.
Additionally, 89% of parents claim adult content filters are a key part of any phone plan they choose for their children, while 91% say the same of scam protection.
These plans will be joined by in-store online safety appointments where families can receive personalized support and guidance, and The P.H.O.N.E Chat – a resource from EE that will help parents explain the responsibility of smartphone ownership to their kids.
So it sounds like a well thought through and comprehensive assortment of tools to help children safely use smartphones.
