How to set content lock, age verification and spend caps on EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, Sky Mobile and Smarty.
Every UK mobile network operates a content lock — a free, network-level filter that blocks 18-rated material on a SIM. This applies regardless of which Wi-Fi or app the device is using, making it the only filter that survives when a child turns off home Wi-Fi. Content lock is on by default on most pay-monthly children's accounts and can be added free to PAYG SIMs. Networks also offer monthly spend caps to prevent bill shock and premium SMS blocking to protect against subscription scams.
Content lock / age restriction
EE: My EE app > Add-ons | O2: My O2 > Service settings | Vodafone: My Vodafone > Content control | Three: My3 > Adult content control | Tesco Mobile: My Tesco Mobile > Bars & restrictions | Sky Mobile: Sky Mobile app > Settings | Smarty: my.smarty.co.uk
Blocks UK-rated 18 content at network level — pornography, gambling, dating, knives, and similar categories — on both mobile data and the network's Wi-Fi hotspots.
Spend cap
Account settings within the network's app or web account
Prevents your child from racking up out-of-allowance charges. Particularly important on contract SIMs where premium services can otherwise be billed.
Premium SMS bar
Network app > Bars & restrictions > Premium rate / shortcode bar
Blocks charity short codes, competition lines, and subscription scams that bill via the phone bill. Free to enable on all UK networks.
Roaming controls
Network app > Roaming settings
Stops accidental data use abroad and ensures UK filters are not silently bypassed in countries with different content rules.
เนื้อหาต้นฉบับภาษาอังกฤษ: /devices/mobile-network-controls