Screen time
How to write a family media plan, with a template
A simple, written agreement about screens that the whole family helps make, covering when, where, how long and what happens when rules are broken.
The short version
- Rules children help write are rules they're more likely to follow.
- Cover when, where, how long, what's allowed, and what happens if rules are broken.
- Include rules for parents too, and review the plan every few months.
A family media plan is a short, written agreement about how your family uses screens. It turns rules that live in your head into something everyone can see, and it gives children a say, which makes them more likely to stick to it.
Why write it down
- Everyone knows the rules, including lolo, lola and yaya.
- Arguments become "what does the plan say?" rather than a battle of wills.
- Children who help make rules feel they're fair.
- It's easy to review and update as children grow.
How to make one
- Hold a family meeting. Keep it short and positive, perhaps over merienda.
- Start with what everyone likes about screens. Games, calls with Papa abroad, shows, music.
- Talk about what's not working. Late nights, arguments, phones at meals.
- Agree on a few rules. Five to eight is enough.
- Write it down and sign it. Stick it somewhere visible.
- Set a review date. In three months, or at the start of the school year.
Template
Copy this and fill in the blanks together.
When
- Screen time on school days: ____ after homework and chores
- Screen time on weekends: ____
- Screens off at ____ PM on school nights and ____ PM on weekends
Where
- Phones charge at night in: ____
- No screens at: meals, ____
- Devices are used in: common areas / bedrooms (choose)
What
- Apps and games we agree on: ____
- New apps: ask first / tell a parent
- Content ratings: ____
Safety
- We don't share our full name, school, address or photos in uniform with people we don't know.
- If something online scares us or makes us uncomfortable, we tell a grown-up. No one gets in trouble for telling.
- We don't talk to strangers in private chats.
- We don't spend money without asking.
Parents promise to
- Put our phones away at meals.
- Ask before posting photos of you.
- Listen first when you tell us about a problem online.
If rules are broken
- First time: we talk about it.
- Again: ____ (for example, phone charges in parents' room for 3 days)
Signed
Everyone in the family signs, including adults.
Tips
- Use your child's words where you can.
- Make it age-appropriate: a 7-year-old's plan is simpler than a 15-year-old's.
- Include adults. Children notice double standards. See modeling healthy tech habits.
- Make consequences related and short. Losing the phone for a month tends to lead to secrecy.
Use parental controls to back up the plan. See how much screen time is right and school-night routines.
Want help putting this into practice?
Try eGuard freeeGuard sets up screen time, bedtime and app rules on your child's phone and checks that each one is really on. Free for one child.