Choosing the right smartphone plan for your child isn’t just about price or data – it’s about mobile safety, control, and peace of mind. As mobile phones become part of children’s everyday lives, parents need more than just a SIM card.
In this post, we’ll explain what makes ParentShield’s smartphone plans for kids offer the UK’s most complete solution – starting from just £5.99/month.
What Is a Smartphone Plan for Kids?
ParentShield’s smartphone plans for kids are mobile SIM plans specifically designed with children in mind. Aside from the adult content filtering that all mobiles networks provide:
ParentShield Has a Powerful Suite of Remote Parental Controls
- Remotely switch mobile data on or off with a single tap
- Absolutely no overspending – ever. All plans are fixed-price and parent-managed
- Set time limits for calls, texts, and mobile data usage
- Control and monitor communication – see who they contact and who contacts them, or whitelist contacts
- Get instant alerts if concerning words or phrases appear in their messages
- Tailored push notifications let you know when your child communicates with new or unknown contacts
- Tower-based location tracking gives you a rough location, even if GPS is turned off
What to Look for in a Kid’s Smartphone Plan
When evaluating smartphone plans for your child, here are some key ParentShield features for comparison:
| Essential Feature | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Call and Text Monitoring | Know who they speak to and what’s being said — essential for safeguarding or incident follow-up |
| Time-of-Day Usage Limits | Stop late-night phone use with calls, texts and mobile data |
| Cell Tower Tracking | See which mobile tower they last connected to — a backup when GPS isn’t available |
| Parental Alerts | Be notified instantly when your child communicates with new or unknown contacts |
| Affordable, Adjustable Plans | Total flexibility — upgrade, downgrade, cancel or pause at any time |
| Ultra Secure Mode | Locks the phone to known contacts only — perfect for young or vulnerable users |
| No Bill Shocks | Impossible to overspend — eliminates surprise charges |
| Remote Data Control | Turn mobile data on/off instantly via your online portal |
| Custom Word Alerts | Be notified of words you choose — useful for spotting bullying or risk behaviour |
| Dumb Phone Compatible | Works in both smart and non-smartphones like the Nokia 105 or Doro 6820 |
| Data-Free Options | Great for younger children — choose when to introduce internet access |
| Multi-Network Roaming SIM Available | Ideal for areas with poor signal — This SIM option stays connected by switching networks |
| Special Needs Friendly | Built-in safeguards also protect teens or elderly users with additional needs |
| UK-Based Support Team | Speak to real people who care — fast, friendly help from our team |
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but most UK children receive their first phone between ages 10 and 12, often when starting secondary school.
ParentShield offers the UK’s only mobile network built specifically for children. Its unique safety features, make it ideal for young and vulnerable users, and older children that need extra protection.
ParentShield provides cell tower-based location tracking — perfect for 4G dumb phones or a backup where GPS is not available.
Yes. Smartphone plans for kids are designed with safety and parental control in mind. Unlike standard SIMs, they often include additional features to ensure the phone is used safely and responsibly.
With ParentShield, yes. You can block individual numbers from within the ParentShield portal, or use Ultra Secure Mode to create a whitelist of trusted contacts — blocking all other calls and texts automatically. This ensures only approved family and friends can get through.
Yes — with ParentShield, parents have full control over mobile data. You can toggle it on or off from your secure online portal at any time.