EE to launch phone plans which restrict internet for teens

EE, one of the largest mobile networks in the UK, is launching new phone plans designed specifically for children and teenagers. These plans are meant to help protect young people from harmful content on the internet. The new plans will be available next month and will only work when the user is connected to EE's mobile data network, not when they are using wi-fi. This means that if a teen switches to wi-fi at home or school, the protections will not apply. EE claims to be the first major UK network to offer such plans for people under 18.

The new SIM-only plans come in three different levels, each offering a different amount of protection based on the age of the child. The strictest plan is for pre-teens and blocks more websites, slows down the internet to limit streaming, and helps prevent scam calls. The other two plans are for older teens and have more moderate controls, but still filter out adult content and protect against scams. The plans start at seven pounds per month and can be used with any smartphone. EE says these plans will give parents more peace of mind and help them manage their children's online safety.

EE is also offering in-store appointments where families can get advice on how to use smartphones safely. They are launching a new resource to help parents talk to their children about owning a phone and staying safe online. Many parents feel overwhelmed by all the different safety features on phones and apps, so EE wants to make things simpler. Some experts think these new plans are a big step forward, but they also point out that it is hard to protect kids when they use wi-fi instead of mobile data. Even so, many believe that these new plans are a positive move and could be more effective than simply banning teens from certain apps or websites.