Giving your child their first phone is a big milestone — that’s why mobile networks are starting to provide more advice for families, like The P.H.O.N.E. Chat, recently launched by EE in partnership with Internet Matters.
This advice is a great starting point for all things online, but what else can be done to bolster overall mobile safety, and for those that don’t want to provide a smartphone?
What Is a Phone Chat?
Giving your child their first mobile phone is a step toward independence, so it’s worth sitting down and having a phone chat as early as possible.
This isn’t about laying down rules (though that’s part of it) — it’s about starting an ongoing conversation built on trust, awareness, and shared understanding.
What to Talk About Before Handing Over a Phone
Here are a few conversation starters to guide that first discussion:
- Explain what phone they have and it’s capabilities
Explain the difference between a “dumb” phone and a smartphone. Some children start with a simple device for a reason — no browser, no social media, no distractions.- If they’re getting a smartphone, make sure they understand it’s not a toy. It’s a camera, a browser, a gateway to apps, YouTube, and everything online. That’s why you’ll be setting parental controls — using tools like Google Family Link, Apple’s Family Sharing, and the ParentShield Portal.
- Boundaries and expectations
Discuss when and where the phone can be used for calls, texts and mobile data (e.g. not at bedtime or school as set in the ParentShield portal) - Text etiquette and social pressure
Explain that it’s healthy to take breaks from their phone altogether. Instant replies aren’t always necessary. - Responsibility
Every message can have an impact. Talk about being respectful and thinking before they send a message. - Staying safe
Even for younger children with no internet access, it’s good practice to talk about what not to share, how to spot scams, and the importance of speaking up, in preparation.
Keep the Conversation Going
This shouldn’t be a one-off talk. Think of it as the start of a longer journey, where you regularly check in and adjust the rules as they grow.
- Ask how they’re finding things
Are they enjoying it? Anything confusing or annoying? Let them know you’re interested — not just monitoring. - Be open about your own phone habits too
If they see you scrolling at the dinner table, it’s harder to expect them not to. Lead by example where you can. - Don’t expect perfection
Mistakes will happen. What matters most is that your child feels comfortable coming to you when they do.
The Right Tools for Mobile Safety
ParentShield SIMs are designed from the ground up for children and teens — giving parents the tools to support those conversations about overall mobile phone safety with controls and safeguards.
What ParentShield Offers That Others Don’t
Why the SIM You Choose Matters Just as Much as the Chat You Have
Talking about safety is essential — and something all families should do. But choosing one of the right safe SIM plans it helps turn those intentions into action.
ParentShield is the only UK mobile network created exclusively for children. That means:
- All numbers pre-registered with the TPS
- Know and control who they are talking to
- Monitoring capabilities not available on other mobile networks
- Unique parental controls
- Provide any phone of your choice
- Stop phone usage after bedtime
So when you sit down for your phone chat, you’ll know their first phone is set up in a way that supports everything you’ve talked about.
Resources to Support Your Phone Chat
- How ParentShield Works – Full Guide
- Compare Safe Stage Plans
- What Makes a Child-Safe SIM?
- Set Parental Controls
- Checklist: Is Your Child’s Phone Ready?
- Child Parent Phone Contract
