Family Internet Safety Contract
Giving a child their first smartphone or tablet is a big deal. Use this tool to generate a clear, printable agreement about screen time, online gaming, and safety.
Family Rules
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# Family Internet & Device Safety Contract
**Between:** [Parent Name] (Parent/Guardian) and [Child Name] (Child)
**Date:** 8/10/2026
## 1. Trust and Honesty
I, **[Child Name]**, understand that having a device and access to the internet is a privilege, not a right. I agree to be open and honest with my parents about what I do online. If I see something that makes me uncomfortable, scared, or confused, I will tell **[Parent Name]** immediately. I know I will not get in trouble for asking for help.
## 2. Screen Time and Sleep
* I will hand over my devices to my parents or put them in the agreed charging station by **21:00** every night.
* I will limit my recreational screen time (gaming, videos, browsing) to **2 hours** per day. (Schoolwork does not count towards this limit).
## 3. Privacy and Protection
* I will NEVER share my real full name, home address, school name, phone number, or passwords with anyone online.
* I will not send pictures of myself to strangers or post photos that show exactly where I am.
* I understand that my parents may occasionally check my device to ensure my safety, but they will respect my growing independence as long as I follow these rules.
## 4. Apps and Gaming
* I am NOT allowed to create social media accounts (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) until my parents decide I am old enough.
* I am allowed to play multiplayer games, but if another player is bullying or being inappropriate, I will mute/block them and tell my parents.
* I will not download new apps or make in-app purchases without asking permission first.
## 5. Kindness and Respect (Cyberbullying)
* I will be a good digital citizen. I will not use my device to bully, tease, or gossip about anyone.
* If someone else is being cyberbullied, I will not join in, and I will report it to an adult.
## 6. Consequences
I understand that if I break the rules in this contract, the consequence will be **loss of device privileges for 24 hours**.
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**Signatures:**
Child: ____________________________________
Parent: ___________________________________
Why use a written contract?
Kids often don't understand the permanent nature of the internet. A written contract sets clear expectations *before* a problem occurs. It changes the conversation from "You're in trouble because I said so" to "You lost your device privileges because you broke rule #3 that we both agreed to."
Tips for success:
- • Print the contract out and have both you and your child physically sign it.
- • Put it on the fridge or somewhere visible.
- • Review it every year. As they get older, you can adjust the rules to give them more independence.