About The PhoneSmart Licence AND EE
What is the PhoneSmart Licence?
Growing up with phones isn’t easy. We get it — tech and connectivity are game-changers for kids’ futures, but let’s not forget that their safety and wellbeing are non-negotiable. That’s why we’ve partnered with child experts and charities to create the EE PhoneSmart licence. It’s a fun, interactive and educational course to help kids learn how to stay safe and be kind online, once they’re old enough to join the digital world.
EE’s PhoneSmart course is split into five episodes, where your kids can follow four engaging young characters as they get their first phones and embark on new online adventures. Each episode covers key aspects of online behaviour, from cyberbullying to fake news and has fun quizzes, interactive elements and pop-up facts to help your kid learn all the vital online do’s and don’t’s.
And as a parent, guardian, or teacher you’ll have your very own Dashboard — a nifty spot where you can easily log in and track your child’s progress, follow the episodes they are doing and get extra support and resources. You can always access your Dashboard from the navigation at the top of the page.
With each completed episode, your child will earn a sticker. Once they’ve collected all five, they’ll have earned their PhoneSmart Licence, which they can download and print off.
Who is PhoneSmart Licence for?
PhoneSmart has been created for kids, aged 10-13.
While we don't recommend children under 11 having smartphones, this is a tool for parents and guardians to help gauge their child’s readiness for the responsibilities of smartphone ownership. It's also here to help navigate bigger conversations about the risks they might face online.
Our Goal
We believe phones should be used for good, not hate so we want to help parents to empower their children with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe and happy online.
Why EE and Internet Matters?
As the UK's number one mobile network and internet service provider, we take our role in protecting your children seriously. We understand that getting their first smartphone is a milestone that kids look forward to, but we believe it's important that they are properly prepared first.
Internet Matters are committed to supporting parents and guardians as they teach their children how to become capable digital citizens. They offer the best advice and information available to help you engage in your child's online life and manage the risks they may face online.
Created in partnership
The EE PhoneSmart Licence has been created in partnership with, and supported by important organisations who are all strongly behind the objectives of this initiative. These organisations have formed our advisory board and helped shape the learning objectives and topics:
Internet Matters supports parents and carers to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. We’re here to offer the best advice and information available to help you engage in your child’s online life and manage the risks they may face online.
Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times. We are there for parents when they need us the most because childhood can’t wait.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance is a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.
Childnet’s mission is to work in partnership with others around the world to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.
The Marie Collins Foundation vision is for all children who suffer abuse facilitated by the internet and mobile technologies, and associated offline abuse, to be able to recover and live safe and fulfilling lives, free from fear and positive about their futures.
BBC Own It is the BBC’s destination to help kids take control of their lives online. The Own It website and app are full of advice and support around online safety, as well as inspiration for children’s futures and tips to build their digital skills.
