Use this conversation guide to agree on how your household will use phones, games, video, messaging and AI tools. Adapt it to each child’s age and revisit it as circumstances change. You can copy the prompts into a notebook or print this page.
1. Start with what matters
Ask each person: What do you enjoy online? What makes it harder to sleep, study, connect or feel safe? Listen before proposing a rule.
2. Agree on a few everyday boundaries
- Where will devices be kept during meals, homework and sleep?
- Which apps, games or accounts need a parent’s permission?
- What should a child do if a message, image, stranger or AI response feels uncomfortable?
- What information or photos should stay private? Who may share a child’s image?
- How will adults model the same habits they ask of children?
3. Write your family agreement
Our device-free times or places: ______________________________
Apps and activities we have agreed to use: ______________________________
Who to talk to when something goes wrong: ______________________________
What we will do first after a problem: Listen, make sure everyone is safe, and decide the next step together.
Our review date: ______________________________
4. Check how it works
Try the agreement for one week. Ask what felt fair, what was difficult and what should change. If an urgent safety issue arises, respond to that first rather than waiting for the review.
This is a conversation tool, not a fixed screen-time prescription. Children’s needs and risks differ. For serious concerns about exploitation, threats or harm, seek appropriate local support.