Safeguard Your Student's Future with Our Free Printable Social Media Agreement

Download Our Free Social Media Agreement Templates

SmartSocial Family Media Agreement: Download the FREE printable PDF

Condensed SmartSocial Family Media Agreement Template: Download the FREE Condensed Agreement

Why Every Parent Should Read This Before Setting Screen Time Rules

• Set expectations before problems happen. A family media agreement helps parents talk about phones, games, social media, and screen time before issues begin.
• Make screen time rules a conversation. This blog shows parents how to involve kids in the rules and consequences so they understand the “why.”
• Get age-by-age device guidance. Parents can see when kids may be ready for tablets, phones, video games, and social media.
• Protect kids without constant policing. The guide covers online safety basics like strangers, passwords, parental controls, gaming, private messages, and reputation.
• Create a plan that grows with your child. Families can revisit the agreement as kids become more responsible and ready for more independence.

How a Family Media Agreement Can Reduce Arguments and Build Better Digital Habits

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Download Our Free Social Media Agreement Templates

SmartSocial Family Media Agreement: Download the FREE printable PDF

Condensed SmartSocial Family Media Agreement Template: Download the FREE Condensed Agreement

Download Our Free Spanish Social Media Agreement Templates

Spanish Language -Download the Full SmartSocial Family Media Agreement Templates

Spanish Language - Download the Condensed SmartSocial Family Media Agreement Template

Balance Over Burnout

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Smartphones Before Social Media

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When Is Your Child Ready for a Phone, Games, or Social Media?

A simple device plan can help kids build independence in stages. A phone and social media do not have to come at the same time. Parents can start with basic communication, then slowly add more access as their child shows responsibility, maturity, and the ability to handle online situations safely.

For kids between ages 9 - 13, consider starting with a basic phone or smartwatch that only allows calling and texting. At this age, the goal is safety and communication, not full internet access. Kids can begin practicing responsibility by keeping up with the device, keeping it charged, responding to parents, and following simple rules about when and where the device can be used. If video games are allowed, keep in-game chats turned off or limited to people your family knows in real life.

For ages 14 - 15, Families may introduce a smartphone with “purple zone” apps only, meaning lower-risk apps that can support school, creativity, organization, and approved entertainment. At this stage, open communication with strangers should stay off in apps, social media, and video games. This stage helps teens learn how to manage a smartphone with clear boundaries around app downloads, screen time, privacy, notifications, and where the phone lives at night.

At age 16, some families may begin introducing social media and more interactive online spaces with clear guidance and supervision. This can include communication in apps or video games, but only with strong boundaries around time spent on devices, privacy, respectful behavior, DMs, group chats, usernames, location sharing, and what to do if someone makes them uncomfortable. Teens can also begin learning how to use their online presence to create a positive digital reputation that can support future opportunities.

The goal is not to hold kids back. The goal is to give kids more freedom as they build the judgment, responsibility, and confidence they need to stay safe and successful online while protecting their long-term mental health.

Short Clips, Big Consequences: The Real Screen Time Issues

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7 Tips for Healthier Screen Time

1. Model Phone Behaviors - SmartSocial recommends that parents model the behaviors and habits they want their kids to follow
2. Do Activities Together - Encourage families to find activities they enjoy doing together that give everyone a break from screens and strengthen connection
3. Detangle Phones & Social Media - Giving a child a phone does not automatically mean they are ready for social media. SmartSocial recommends waiting until age 16 before allowing access to social platforms
4. Balance Screen Time - Help kids use screens with purpose instead of scrolling without thinking, while making time for hobbies, activities, and interests they enjoy offline
5. Monitor Family Screen Time - Parents can stay involved through parental controls, family rules, ongoing conversations, and spending time using technology together
6. Have Open Conversations - Talk regularly with kids about screen time and how they are using their devices. A Family Media Agreement can help start the conversation, but parents should continue checking in as habits, apps, and needs change
7. Engage Online & Show Interest - Go beyond setting rules by showing genuine curiosity about what your kids enjoy, watch, play, and do online

The Phone Habits Kids Learn From Adults

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Why a Family Media Agreement Helps Kids Understand the Rules Before They Go Online

• A media agreement is essentially a contract between students and parents regarding all issues of media use, but we believe it has to start from a dialogue between parents and children so everyone is being heard and works to understand the reasons for expectations
• Our agreement template is a Google document that can be edited to suit your family’s specific needs and family values. Students and parents should review, discuss, come to an agreement then print, sign and post it somewhere visible in the house
• The guide is designed to create and keep an open line of communication between students and parents with specific discussion points and important issues that should be addressed regarding technology usage
• This agreement can be used for cell phones/tablets/computers/video game systems/television, or any technology, and screen time your children have access to

• The overall goal is to help students learn to make decisions about how they use their screen time, rather than being ruled by technology. We also want to help parents gain a better understanding of how and why students use technology 

• The agreement is also a reminder that students can always go to a trusted adult when an online situation leaves them feeling bad and helps give them a game plan of how to respond if and when trouble arises. Our students are always learning and the media agreements combined with the dialogues help guide their learning while they are having fun online

SmartSocial Family Media Agreement: Download the FREE printable PDF

Condensed SmartSocial Family Media Agreement Template: Download the FREE Condensed Agreement

Screen Time Agreement

• The Screen Time Agreement is an overview of screen time in general
• It contains a chart to list out all of your different devices including computers, phones, video game consoles, tablets, TVs, and screen time limits for each 
• Many devices today have a screen time report to show you when and how the screen is being used. It might be helpful as you fill in the chart to view these reports to get an idea of what is actually realistic
• This agreement also gives the opportunity to discuss other responsibilities and consequences of breaking the agreement so that there is no confusion on the expectations
• Take your time to think through and talk about the fill-in-the-blank questions. Discussing these now will set everyone up for remembering the rules when the temptations or frustrations are in full swing

Additional resources for screen time tips

• How to Optimize Parental Controls: Balancing Safety & Privacy for Families
• Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time
• Negative Effects of Social Media & Screen Time
• Screen Time Management Tips to Prevent Addiction
• How to Use Screen Time Productively
• First Cell Phones for Kids (Gabb vs. Pinwheel vs. Bark vs. Troomi)

Family Communication & Device Care Agreement

• Print this out (or copy the page in your electronic doc) and fill out for any device that needs additional discussion beyond just the amount of time students spend. Restrictions on a cell phone might be different than restrictions on video games or a tablet and will require different agreements for each
• Pay particular attention to communication with strangers and who your students are talking to with these devices. The Social Media and Video Game Agreement Guide also discusses this, but starting the discussions early is key to staying safe
• Think through and talk together about parental controls for the device and monitoring that everyone should be looking at. If students don’t know what parents are using to help monitor them, chances are they’ll make changes or delete it without knowing that’s part of the expectations on their device
• If you are concerned about parental control on a school device, talk with your student’s school and ask what recommendations they have as many already have tracking features parents can learn more about

Additional resources for family communication & device care tips

• Why Every Family Needs a Password Manager
• Parental Control Software & Cell Phone Monitoring Comparison Guide
• Apple Screen Time Guide 
• Android Digital Wellbeing
• Google Play Parental Controls

Video Game Agreement

• Most video games have a rating from the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) from Everyone to Adults Only. As a family, you can discuss which of these ratings students will be allowed to play at home or at a friend’s house 
• A lot of online video games offer the possibility of playing with others. Determine together whether it is appropriate to play games solo, with friends, or with strangers. Also, be sure to discuss how students plan on communicating with other online players
• If students are allowed to play with others online, discuss an action plan for the student if they come across bullying or something else inappropriate online. Students can and should always talk to a parent or other trusted adult

Additional resources for video game tips

• Pros and Cons of Video Games
• Negative Effects of Video Games
• Discord Safety Guide 
• Twitch Guide
• Popular Video Games Parents Need to Know (The Ultimate List)

Social Media and Online Presence Agreement

• When a student is old enough to have access to social media accounts, fill out the Social Media and Online Presence Agreement and discuss each of the accounts the student wants or already has
• Your expectations may be different for different apps or accounts. If your student is asking for an app you aren’t familiar with, check it out with your student and look for it on our Popular Teen Apps Parents and Teachers Need to Know to learn more about it before you make a decision if it’s appropriate for your family

• Parents should always have an accurate list of all the student’s account names and passwords but students should never share passwords with anyone else (even their best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend)
• Social media gives students the opportunity to follow positive accounts of people or organizations that can help students explore their interests. Brainstorm and discuss together the types of accounts that students would like to follow. Visit our Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time resource to find out more information about the positive uses of social media

• Remind students that their online presence can affect their future college admissions or career.  And to always think about what they are posting before they post and to consider how it can impact their future both positively and negatively. Students can do a deep dive into creating a positive online presence with the SmartSocial Student Branding Academy as well
• Discuss what is appropriate to post or share with others (even in private messages). Remember that nothing is ever truly private or ever really disappears 
• Social media offers easy access to strangers. Discuss who is appropriate to communicate with online and the personal details that should never be shared such as full name, address, phone number, birthdate

Additional resources for popular social media tips

• Disappearing Messages: The Hidden Dangers Parents Need to Know
• Snapchat Safety Guide 
• Instagram Guide 
• TikTok Guide
• Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time
• Positive Effects of Social Media for Students
• Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

How to Create a Family Media Agreement Your Child Will Actually Understand

• We recommend printing at least 2 copies of the google doc we have linked on this page. Then, both parents and students can review the suggested points and write in your thoughts BEFORE you come together for a discussion.   Talk about what you each think is appropriate and come to an agreement
• Set expectations for ALL devices in the house - not just smartphones. Don’t forget about video game consoles, computers, tablets and even tv/movies. We recommend everyone starts with a screen time agreement first, then builds on additional agreements specific to the devices you use
• Follow along with the agreement, focusing on important issues such as where and when devices can be used, monitoring, downloading, communicating with strangers, and many others
• Take a break if anyone in the conversation starts to feel discouraged, upset, or confused. Remember, we don’t jump in the car and know exactly how to make right turns, left turns, parallel park, and all the rules of the road our first time behind the wheel. The more we practice good dialogue and discussion, the easier it will get with important topics like technology and other areas of life
• Students should have a say in both the expectations AND the consequences listed in the agreement. Part of setting consequences is knowing that their misbehaviors are learning opportunities, but also that they must live with the outcomes that they create.  Parents, we’re here to help guide our students to make the right choices and minimize outcomes we don’t want them to have to experience
• Encourage everyone to stop and think before they post on social media because it can greatly affect your future and online reputation
• Consider that the more we work together, the more online privileges we all get
• After everyone signs your agreement, make sure to keep it somewhere accessible, like on the fridge or on a family bulletin board
• Regularly referring back to the agreement will remind everyone of the commitments they made and the consequences they could face
• Consider revisiting and revising the agreement as your students get older and more mature.  This can be a great opportunity to earn more freedoms and teach responsibility

Explain the “Why” So Your Child Sees the Agreement as Protection, Not Punishment

It is important for your students to understand why you are establishing these guidelines. Technology can be a great source of learning and fun, but it can also pose real dangers to physical safety and mental well-being. Some experts warn excessive screen time and social media use can lead to:

• Depression
• Addiction
• Social anxiety
• Suicide

A family agreement can help create healthy internet habits. For example, as soon as a new device is introduced into the home you can create an agreement. Remember to revisit and revise the agreement, as needed, throughout the year.  Our goal is that you feel more comfortable working together and for students to learn the responsibility of being online.

Unlike with a car — which comes with driving lessons, a learner’s permit and a big test to ensure road readiness — many parents buy the phone first, then try to teach their kids how to use it. It’s a risky approach, experts say. As easy as it is to give your child more freedom, it can be a brutal battle to claw it back when they’re misusing it or showing signs of overuse. - Washington Post

As long as I’m busy with other activities that interest me, I never feel the need to go on my phone… Sometimes I start to feel left out on social media, but I enjoy myself so much more when I’m spending time face-to-face with people. - Washington Post

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Still struggling? Here are More Resources Parents Find Helpful

How to Use Screen Time Productively

Avoiding Strangers & Dangerous Situations Online

Hear Beth and Andrea discuss family media agreements and parental controls in MomTalk

Conclusion

At SmartSocial, we believe students can benefit from digital media when they are taught to use technology with a positive intention. They can have fun AND use the devices and apps responsibly. A Family Media Agreement can be a great learning tool for students to create good habits with technology.

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With so many resources available and so many people wanting to help, suicide can be prevented. Check on your friends and family members often and let them know you’re there for them. Let’s work towards getting rid of the stigma of talking about mental health. 

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 911 immediately. If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text HOME to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.