Phone contract for 11yo - in their name or mine?

[AChickenCalledKorma]

We've decided to take the plunge and get DD1 a phone. It will be on a (cheap) contract - we will pay monthly fee and she will be responsible for running costs.

I'm trying to work out how best to set it up. Will the phone providers actually enter into a contract with an 11yo, or does it have to be in our name? Are there advantages to it being in her name (if that's allowed) in terms of the provider being aware that the user is a child (if there are any internet-safety features for example), or is it not that sophisticated.

And any hints about what to go for in terms of free texts, data allowance etc would also be gratefully received. I feel we should know more than we do about this, but both DH and I have phone contracts provided by our employer, so we've never actually set one up!

[heidihole]

You won't be able to put it in the name of an under 18