Learning to Use Technology with Care and Confidence

At this age, children are starting to explore the digital world more independently through games, schoolwork, or talking to friends online.

A Family Tech Agreement helps families set clear rules for safe, responsible, and balanced tech use. It teaches children how to make good choices online and when to ask for help.

Key Reminders

• Talk about what apps and games are safe to use.
• Encourage kindness online and offline.
• Keep devices out of bedrooms and mealtimes.
• Use parental controls and monitor activity regularly.
• Revisit the agreement often as your child’s interests change.

When children understand why rules exist, they are more likely to follow them.

Parental Controls

Parental controls are an important safety step. They can:

• Block inappropriate websites or games
• Limit daily screen time
• Restrict in-app purchases or chat functions

Check these settings before your child starts using new devices, apps, or games and update them regularly.

Healthy Tech Use

Encourage balance between schoolwork, play, and family time. If your child becomes irritable or tired after screen time, use that moment to talk about balance, not punishment.

Remember

Every child learns at a different pace. Keep the conversation positive and make this agreement something you revisit, not just enforce.

Family Tech Agreement & Pledges

For children aged 6–8

I, ____________________________________________________________________, agree to:

Safe

• I will only use apps, games, and websites my parents or a grown-up say are okay.
• I will not talk to or message anyone I don’t know in real life.
• I will keep my personal information private — including my name, phone number, address, and school.
• I will tell a parent or grown-up if someone I don’t know tries to contact me online.
• I will ask a parent or grown-up before sharing a photo or video of myself.
• I will check with a parent or grown-up before creating a new online account.
• I will keep my passwords private and only share them with a parent.
• I will use devices where my family can see me, not secretly.
• I will ask a parent or grown-up before downloading apps or games, joining a chat or online group, turning on camera/microphone/location, or clicking on anything I don’t understand.

Respectful

• I will use friendly words online and include others in games.
• I will share with care — nothing that could hurt or embarrass someone.
• I will not share photos or videos of others without asking them first.
• I will speak up or get help if I witness bullying.

Responsible

• I will enjoy activities that don’t need a screen — like playing outside, reading, or doing hobbies.
• I will finish homework and chores before using screens for fun.
• I will switch off screens one hour before bedtime.
• I will put devices away when asked.
• I will look after my devices and tell a parent or grown-up if something is broken or lost.
• I understand the tech-free zones in my home — bedroom, bathroom, meals, family time, and others as agreed.

Screen Time Limits

My screen time for fun (not schoolwork) is:

• Weekdays: ______ hours each day
• Weekends: ______ hours each day

If I Make a Mistake (Restorative Steps)

Sometimes I might make a choice online that breaks our pledge. When that happens, my family and I will:

Talk About What Happened

We’ll stay calm and listen to each other. I’ll have a chance to explain what I was thinking or feeling, and my parent or carer will help me understand what went wrong and why it matters.

Think About Who Was Affected

Together, we’ll talk about how my actions may have affected me, my family, friends, or others online.

Make Things Right

We’ll decide how I can fix or repair the situation — for example, apologising, deleting or reporting content, or practising safer choices next time.

Plan for Next Time

We’ll agree on what I can do differently if a similar situation happens again and update our family rules if needed.

Pause Screen Time (If Needed)

If I need time to reflect, I may take a short break from devices while we work things out together. When I show that I understand what happened and can use technology responsibly, I can earn back my screen time.

I know that if I’m worried or have made a mistake online, I can always talk to my parents or a trusted adult and I won’t get into trouble just for being honest.

Signature

Child: _______________________________________   Date: __________ / __________ / __________

Parent/Carer’s Pledge

I / We, ________________________________________________________________, agree to:

Keep My Child Safe

▢ Help choose apps, games, and websites that are right for my child’s age.
▢ Turn on safety settings and parental controls.
▢ Keep devices in shared family spaces.
▢ Role model asking for consent before taking photos or videos.

Protect My Child’s Privacy

▢ Keep camera, microphone, and location settings off unless needed.
▢ Choose apps and services that keep my child’s information safe.
▢ Be mindful when sharing information or photos about my child.

Role Model Healthy Technology Habits

▢ Follow family tech-free rules too.
▢ Put devices down when my child needs attention.
▢ Show kind and respectful behaviour online.

Be Someone They Can Talk To

▢ Have regular check-ins around our family values for the online environment.
▢ Stay calm if something goes wrong and use the Restorative Steps guide.
▢ Show interest in the games, apps, and videos my child enjoys.

Keep Online Spaces Safe

▢ Check age ratings before new apps or games are downloaded.
▢ Help protect my child’s personal information.
▢ Teach my child how to block or report anything unsafe or unkind.
▢ Avoid apps or games made for older children.

Signatures

Parent/Carer: __________________________________    Date: ____ / ____ / ____

Parent/Carer: __________________________________    Date: ____ / ____ / ____