When you buy your child their first mobile phone, there are plenty of things to think about: the handset, the mobile plan, parental controls and how much data they really need.
But there’s another small detail that can make a surprisingly big difference: their mobile number.
Most mobile networks simply allocate the next available mobile number when you order a SIM. ParentShield also gives you the option to pick a premium, easy-to-remember mobile number for your child — making it much easier for them to learn, remember and share their own number when they need it.
What is a premium mobile number?
A premium mobile number — sometimes called a memorable, fancy or VIP number — is simply a mobile number with an easier or more desirable number pattern.
Instead of a completely random sequence of digits, you might find numbers containing:
- Repeated digits
- Pairs of matching numbers
- Repeating patterns
- Simple number sequences
- Memorable endings
- Numbers that are simply easier to say and remember
For example, a number with several repeated digits or an obvious pattern can be much easier to remember than a completely random 11-digit mobile number.
Why choose an easy-to-remember number for a child?
For adults, having a memorable mobile number can be convenient. For children, there can be an additional benefit.
Easier to learn
A child’s first mobile number is another important piece of information for them to learn.
Choosing a number with a simple pattern can make it much easier for them to remember without repeatedly checking their phone or asking a parent.
Useful if their phone is lost
Imagine your child leaves their phone on the school bus, at a friend’s house or at a sports club.
If they know their number from memory, they can use somebody else’s phone to call or message it.
Helpful when they need to give their number to someone
There may be times when your child needs to give their mobile number to a trusted adult, family member, school or activity leader.
A memorable number makes this much simpler.
A number they can keep
Mobile numbers can be transferred between UK mobile networks using the standard PAC process, so a carefully chosen number can stay with your child as they grow.
It could be their first mobile number — and one they are still using as an adult.
Browse ParentShield Premium Mobile Numbers
Want to choose the number rather than simply accepting a random one?
Fill in the application form to browse our premium mobile numbers and choose an easy-to-remember number for your child.
Our available numbers include memorable patterns, repeated digits and distinctive number combinations. Each number is unique, so when a particularly good one is gone, it’s gone.
How do you buy a memorable mobile number?
ParentShield has a selection of premium mobile numbers available to purchase.
Rather than being randomly allocated a number, you can apply to browse the available numbers and choose one you particularly like.
Some will have repeating digits, while others have patterns or endings that make them especially easy to remember.
Once you’ve found the number you want, it can be purchased and used with your child’s ParentShield SIM.
Availability is naturally limited. Every UK mobile number is unique, so once a particular premium number has been taken, it isn’t available for somebody else to choose.
Can my child keep the number in the future?
Yes.
Although you may initially choose the number for use with ParentShield, it isn’t a number your child will leave behind when they’re older.
When the time eventually comes to move to another mobile service, you can request a PAC and transfer the number to another UK mobile network.
That makes choosing a particularly good number more worthwhile.
A memorable number alongside a child-safe mobile service
Of course, the phone number is only one part of choosing your child’s first mobile service.
ParentShield is a UK mobile network designed specifically for children, giving parents access to additional network-level controls and safety features through the ParentShield Portal.
Depending on the service and settings selected, parents can manage features such as mobile data, time controls, SchoolBlock, trusted contacts and other safeguards designed around a child’s first mobile phone.
Choosing a premium number means you can pair those controls with something a little more personal: a mobile number that’s easy for your child to learn and potentially keep for years to come.
Choose Your Child’s Premium Mobile Number
Don’t leave your child’s first mobile number to chance.
Browse the ParentShield premium number collection, find a number that’s easy for your child to remember and secure it while it’s still available.
Every premium number is unique. Once a number has been purchased, it will no longer be available for another customer.
