ParentShield

ParentShield: children's mobile network with parental controls

ParentShield is a mobile phone service aimed at minors, marketed by Engine Mobile Ltd. Its offering consists of SIM cards with built-in parental controls that allow adults to supervise and limit children's phone use. The company presents itself as the only mobile network designed specifically for children and claims to have more than 25,000 parents and carers in the UK.

Monitoring and safety features

The service includes recording of all calls and text messages, which are stored in an online portal for review and download. In addition, an artificial intelligence system reviews every call and generates a summary with a low, medium or high risk score, analysing the dynamics of the conversation. Alerts can also be set for worrying words or phrases in messages.

Call blocking is one of its standout capabilities: it allows you to block all communications and create allow-lists of numbers, or block individual contacts with a single click without needing to touch the phone. Blocked calls are not redirected to voicemail or generate alerts, thereby avoiding potential avenues for bullying.

Spending and usage time controls

ParentShield eliminates the possibility of unexpected charges: premium SMS, MMS, premium-rate numbers, charity donations, phone votes and 'pay-by-phone' subscriptions are permanently disabled and cannot be re-enabled. The company states that no user has ever generated an unexpected bill.

Time controls allow you to set usage schedules, such as a bedtime after which the SIM cannot call, send messages or use data, except for home numbers and emergency services. On roaming SIMs (from stage 2 onwards) there is a data budget feature that allows you to set a daily limit to spread usage over the month.

Unlimited calls and texts home

Each SIM has two 'home numbers' that the child can call or text at any time, even if minutes or texts have run out. These numbers can be landlines or mobiles. If data runs out on the roaming SIM (stage 2 or higher), a button press adds more data at no cost for location or instant messaging apps.

Coverage and SIM types

The standard ParentShield SIM operates on the EE network, which the company describes as the UK's best single network. For areas with poor signal, it offers a roaming SIM and eSIM that connects to multiple networks and uses the strongest signal. According to the company, no network provides better coverage because they combine all of them. SIMs with mobile data (stage 2 and above) allow you to identify the cell tower to which the device last connected, an alternative to GPS for basic phones or when location is disabled.

Users with special needs and care environments

The service also targets users who require greater protection, such as older people or children in care. For looked-after children, foster homes, children's homes, boarding schools and care providers, ParentShield offers Pro SIMs with specific configurations for corporate parents. The company states that UK local authorities use its services.

Numbers are registered with the Telephone Preference Service before being issued. ParentShield is listed as a supplier on the Government Commercial Agency Supplier RM6094 and the Spark Dynamic Purchasing System.

Sign-up and contact

Contracts are SIM-only and can be cancelled at any time. The company operates from its headquarters in Derby, where its data centre and customer support centre are also located. Telephone support hours are Monday to Saturday during office hours; outside those hours, calls are answered from an external centre or remotely, with the option to leave a message. They also offer live chat, usually from 8:00 to 20:00.

Location and contact

Pioneer House, Stenson Road, Derby, DE73 7HL · Phone: 0330 122 1180 · Email: hello@parentshield.co.uk