Parent Shield

Parent Shield provides SIM-only mobile service with an online portal for managing calls, SMS and mobile data.

Quick overview

Its range includes single-network and roaming SIMs, an eSIM and arrangements for children in care, with settings available to account holders through the portal.

Choose between single-network and roaming SIM options, including a no-data SIM.
Use block lists, allow-lists and two home numbers to set calling and texting controls.
Set time restrictions or use SchoolBlock for calls, SMS and mobile data.
View call and text histories, with recording controls and optional AI call summaries.
Explore care configurations including separate portal logins and unrecorded lines.

Introduction

Parent Shield provides a mobile network and SIM-only service with controls for calls, texts and mobile data. Its online portal gives account holders access to settings and communication records.

The range includes single-network SIMs, roaming SIMs and an eSIM, alongside options for children in care and older users with particular requirements.

What Parent Shield offers

Parent Shield offers SIM-only mobile service with different call, text and data allowances. The single-network SIM connects to EE, while the all-network roaming SIM and eSIM connect across multiple mobile networks.

Account holders can manage settings through the portal, including number lists, time restrictions and mobile data access. Parent Shield also offers configurations for care organisations, including separate portal logins and unrecorded lines.

Product and service categories

SIMs and mobile service

The single-network and roaming options provide different ways to connect a phone to a mobile network. A no-data SIM is also available, and Parent Shield can configure a SIM for calls only or SMS only. Physical SIM cards have a three-way design with different sizes to fit a phone. An unlocked mobile phone is required to use the service.

Calls and texts

The portal displays call and SMS history, including incoming, outgoing and unanswered calls. Account holders can listen to available call recordings, download them or delete them, and can read SMS messages in the portal. Recording can be switched off for a SIM, while calls to Childline are not recorded and do not appear in the call list. Picture messages are blocked from being sent to or from the SIM.

Number controls and home numbers

Each account has two home numbers, which can be mobile or landline numbers. The phone can call and text these numbers even when its call or text allowance has run out. Account holders can block individual numbers or use Ultra Secure Mode with an allow-list of selected numbers. Home numbers and emergency services remain available under that mode.

Time controls

Time-restricted mode lets an account holder choose hours during which calls, texts and mobile data are restricted. During those hours, the phone can still communicate with the two home numbers and contact emergency services. SchoolBlock is a portal control for restricting calls, SMS and mobile data during school hours. Home numbers remain available while SchoolBlock is active.

Mobile data and location information

The portal has a switch for turning mobile data on or off, and data can also be controlled by time settings. These controls apply to mobile data rather than a Wi-Fi connection. Certain roaming SIM options include a daily data limit. SIMs with mobile data can show the location of the last-connected cell tower.

Options for children in care

Parent Shield offers SIM arrangements for children in care, with central control of access and features. Separate portal logins can be provided for carers or social workers. Options include no-recording mode and up to three unrecorded lines, which remain available under timed and Ultra Secure settings. Parent Shield can also discuss number aliasing and other configurations with care organisations.

Browse the full range on the Parent Shield website.

More Info

Using the website

The online portal brings together call and text histories, mobile data settings, number lists and time controls. Account holders can associate names with phone numbers and search the calls or text history for communications involving a particular number.

The website offers a portal guide, a mobile data guide and first-phone information. It also provides downloadable school resources, including a sample mobile phone contract and guides to phone watches and apps. Support is available by phone, email and live chat.

Notable features

Word Alerts let account holders choose words or phrases to match against incoming and outgoing SMS messages. Texts to or from home numbers are excluded, and alerts arriving close together are limited to one text every few minutes. The matching message is highlighted in the portal.

Network Watch can send an alert when a phone reconnects after being offline. Push notifications can also be set up for selected events, including blocked calls or texts, on devices with portal access.

AI call summaries and risk scores can be enabled when call recording is active. The setting can also be switched off. For care users, Parent Shield offers a virtual mobile number that can receive SMS through the portal without a physical phone.

Frequently asked questions

Can mobile data be turned off?

Yes, the portal has a mobile data on/off switch, and time controls can also restrict data. Turning off mobile data does not block internet access through Wi-Fi.

What happens during time-restricted mode?

Calls, texts and mobile data are restricted between the chosen hours. The two home numbers and emergency services remain available.

Can a SIM be configured without call recording?

Yes, recording can be switched off for a SIM in the portal. Parent Shield also offers no-recording and unrecorded-line configurations for care users.

Key takeaways

Single-network SIMs, roaming SIMs and an eSIM are available.
The portal includes call and SMS records, number lists and time controls.
Two home numbers remain available under time restrictions.
Mobile data can be switched off, although Wi-Fi access is separate.
Care arrangements can include separate logins and unrecorded lines.

Summary

Parent Shield combines SIM-only mobile service with an online portal for managing calls, texts and mobile data. Its options range from number and time controls to tailored configurations for care organisations, with guides available for the portal, mobile data and first phones.