Technology is a big part of family life — from video calls to games and stories. A Family Tech Agreement helps parents and children build good screen habits early and learn safe, healthy ways to enjoy technology together.
For this age, parents and carers lead the way. The goal is to create routines that balance screen time with play, sleep, and family connection.
Children learn by watching adults. When families set clear rules and model positive habits, young children learn that screens are just one part of a happy, active life.
• Keep devices in shared areas where you can join in.
• Choose age-appropriate, educational content.
• Avoid screens during meals and one hour before bed.
• Balance tech time with outdoor play, reading, and creative activities.
• Revisit this agreement as your child grows and new devices appear.
Before giving a device to your child, set up parental controls to manage what they can see or do.
These settings can:
• Block unsuitable websites or videos.
• Limit screen time.
• Restrict in-app purchases.
Set these controls on tablets, phones, streaming services, and home Wi-Fi. Most brands have step-by-step setup guides available online.
For preschoolers, the best screen time is shared time — when adults watch, talk, and play together. Encourage your child to take breaks and keep screens out of bedrooms and mealtimes.
The goal is not to remove technology, but to guide children toward healthy habits that grow with them.
▢ I only use screens with a grown-up and when they say that it’s okay.
▢ I only talk to people a grown-up says are safe.
▢ I ask before taking a photo or video.
▢ I use kind hands and kind words.
▢ I take turns and share.
▢ Our family decides on no-screen family times.
▢ I stop using the screen when a grown-up says to.
▢ I spend time doing active play without screens.
▢ I tell a grown-up if something on the screen makes me feel sad, scared, or worried.
I am only allowed to use a phone or tablet if I am:
▢ Safe
▢ Respectful
▢ Responsible
Preschooler’s Name: _____________________________________________
Grown-up’s Name: _____________________________________________
Date: _________________ / _________________ / ________________