In 2025, Safer SIMs are no longer a niche product — they’re quickly becoming one of the most sought-after mobile solutions for parents.
With more children getting their first phone at a younger age, families are realising that a standard SIM card just doesn’t cut it.
A safe SIM offers protection at the network level, meaning safety controls can’t be bypassed by changing phone settings, or even resetting the device. Whether your child has a simple “dumb phone” or the latest smartphone, a safe SIM puts parents firmly in control of who they can contact and when they can use their phone, along with a whole host of other protective features, managed remotely by the parents or guardians.
What Is a Safe SIM?
A safe SIM is a mobile SIM card with built-in safety features that operate at the network level rather than just within the phone.
Common features include:
- Call and text monitoring
- Whitelisting or blocking of numbers
- Time-of-day restrictions
- Remote mobile data control
- Alerts for concerning words or phrases
- Alerts for new correspondents
- Cell Tower tracking as a backup to GPS
Because these controls are enforced by the mobile network itself, they stay in place even if the phone is factory reset or the settings are altered.
Why Parents Are Searching for Safe SIMs More Than Ever
1. Children Are Getting Phones Younger
It’s now common for children as young as 8 or 9 to have their first phone – often for safety on the school run or when travelling independently.
2. Scam Risks Are Increasing
From phishing texts to unwanted calls, threats to children’s safety are becoming more sophisticated – and more frequent.
3. Safe SIMs Are More Affordable
As demand has increased, specialist child-safe networks, like ParentShield, now offer competitively priced plans for both light users and teenagers with heavier needs.
Why Network-Level Controls Matter
Many parental control tools are app-based. While useful, these can often be disabled by:
- Removing the app
- Changing device settings
- Performing a factory reset
With a Safe SIM, network-level controls mean your safety settings remain active no matter what happens to the phone.
Safe SIMs for Dumb Phones
Basic “dumb phones” – such as classic Nokias or flip phones – remain popular for younger children. They’re simple, affordable, and distraction-free, but they still need protection.
Why Safe SIMs matter for dumb phones:
- Even without internet access, they can receive unwanted calls or texts
- Unknown numbers can be blocked at the network level
- Time-of-day limits prevent late-night use or disruptions during class
Best for:
- Primary school-aged children
- Parents wanting maximum control with minimal risk
- First-phone scenarios with no internet access ( SIM with no data )
Safe SIMs for Smartphones
When introducing a smartphone to a child, we always recommend pairing a safe SIM with Google Family Link or Apple’s Family Sharing. This way, parents can manage apps and usage over Wi-Fi, adding extra layers of control and the ability to lock things down to maintain safety.
Why Safe SIMs are vital for smartphones:
- Add custom controls and monitoring for calls and texts
- Enable instant remote control of mobile data access
- Trigger alerts for certain words or phrases in texts
- Optionally block OTP codes ( WhatsApp setup codes for example )
Best for:
- Older children and teens
- Parents who need controls and monitoring that are not available on other mobile networks
- Families looking for flexible plans that grow with their child
