A family tech agreement you can actually use

Start with a shared moment

Choose a calm time to talk about when technology helps your family and when it gets in the way. Adults can name their own habits too. Begin with one situation, such as dinner, rather than trying to solve every screen decision at once.

Make the agreement practical

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a family media plan to help families set expectations. Your own agreement can describe where devices rest and how a child can ask for help. Explain the reason behind a rule and invite questions about it. Review it as children grow rather than treating it as permanent.

Try it in a small way

1. Ask each person for one thing they enjoy doing together without a screen.
2. Choose one device-free moment that adults can follow too.
3. Write how to ask for help with confusing or upsetting online content.
4. Revisit the agreement after a week and adjust what was unrealistic.