TL;DR: The Quick Reboot
If you’re tired of the constant "five more minutes" negotiations and the "Ohio" level of weirdness coming from your kid's iPad, it’s time for a reset. A Family Media Agreement isn't a list of punishments; it’s a shared vision for how tech fits into your house without it becoming the only thing your kids care about.
Top Resources for Your Reset:
Most of us started our digital parenting journey with a few simple rules: "No screens before school" or "One hour on weekends." Then 2020 happened, then Roblox happened, and suddenly we were living in a world where our kids are watching Skibidi Toilet on a loop and calling everything "mid" or "Ohio."
If you feel like you’ve lost the plot, you aren't alone. The reason those old rules feel like they’re breaking is that they were built for a different digital era. We used to manage time. Now, we have to manage attention, dopamine, and culture.
A "Reset" isn't about a sudden ban on tech—that’s a recipe for a household revolution you don't want to lead. It’s about moving from being the "Tech Police" (always monitoring, always catching them doing something wrong) to being a "Digital Mentor." We’re co-creating a plan where the kids actually have some skin in the game.
Think of it as a constitution for your living room. It’s a document—yes, a physical one you should probably print out—that defines when, where, and how your family uses technology.
It covers the basics like "no phones at the table," but the best agreements go deeper. They tackle the Robux
spending habits, what happens when someone sees something "sus" online, and how we treat each other in the Minecraft chat.
Kids actually crave boundaries, even if they fight them like it’s their job. When the rules are vague, they spend all their mental energy testing the fence. When the rules are clear—and when they understand the why—the friction drops.
More importantly, the digital world is moving fast. Between ChatGPT helping with homework and the sheer volume of "brain rot" content on YouTube Shorts, kids need a North Star. If we don’t give them one, the algorithm will.
When you sit down to do this reset, don't just talk about what they can't do. Talk about the "Good Stuff." If you want them off the mindless scrolling, you have to offer something better.
Stardew Valley (Ages 7+)
If your kid is addicted to the high-stress environment of Fortnite, suggest a "Cozy Reset" with Stardew. It’s a farming sim that teaches patience, planning, and community. It’s the antithesis of the "brain rot" cycle.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Ages 6-12)
If you want a "no-screen" win, this book is a heavy hitter. It’s about a robot stranded in the wilderness. It’s a great bridge for kids who love tech but need to reconnect with a narrative that isn't delivered via a 15-second clip.
The Dragon Prince (Netflix) (Ages 7+)
Stop letting them watch those weird "Elsagate" style knock-offs on YouTube. This show is high-quality, complex storytelling. It’s the kind of media that actually builds an attention span rather than shredding it.
Brains On! (Ages 5-12)
For car rides where everyone is itching for a tablet, try this podcast. It’s science-heavy, funny, and keeps them engaged without the blue light.
Learn more about the best podcasts for curious kids
When you start the reset, don't lead with "You guys are on your phones too much." Lead with: "I feel like our tech use is making us all a little grumpy, including me. I want to try something new so we can have more fun together."
1. The "What" (Content Standards)
Be honest about what’s garbage. You can tell them that Skibidi Toilet is basically the digital version of eating a bag of sugar for dinner. It’s not "evil," but it's not helping their brains grow.
- The Rule: We prioritize "Active" media (creating, coding, playing complex games) over "Passive" media (endless scrolling).
- The Link: Check out our guide on "active" vs "passive" screen time
2. The "When" (The Sacred Times)
Pick 2-3 times a day that are strictly "Tech-Free Zones."
- The Table: No phones, even for parents.
- The Bedroom: Devices charge in the kitchen overnight. This is the #1 rule for mental health.
- The Morning: No screens until after breakfast/getting dressed.
3. The "Cost" (The Money Talk)
If you are tired of the Robux drain, build it into the agreement.
- The Rule: Digital currency is earned through chores or saved from an allowance. No "surprise" App Store charges.
- The Lesson: Roblox can be a great place to learn about digital economies, but only if they're using their money.
For the Littles (Ages 4-7)
At this age, the agreement is mostly for you. They don't need a phone, but they might need a "Green Light" system for the TV. Stick to high-quality shows like Bluey and avoid the "toy unboxing" channels on YouTube Kids, which are designed to turn your kid into a consumerist zombie.
For the Middles (Ages 8-12)
This is the Roblox and Minecraft sweet spot. The agreement should focus on "Digital Citizenship." If they are mean in a game chat, they lose the game for 24 hours. No exceptions. This is also when you start talking about why TikTok is a "wait until you're older" app.
For the Bigs (Ages 13+)
The agreement here is a "Social Contract." It’s about privacy, reputation, and sleep. You might allow Instagram, but with the understanding that you have the passwords "just in case" (though you won't creep unless there's a reason).
Ask our chatbot for a teen-specific social media contract
If your kids are using slang you don't understand to describe their digital world, don't mock it—ask them to explain it. When a kid says something is "Ohio," they mean it’s weird or cringey. When they talk about "Rizz," they mean charisma.
By including a section in your agreement about "Open Communication," you’re telling them: "I might not get it, but I’m listening." If they see something "Ohio" (weird/creepy) on Discord, they need to know they can tell you without the immediate fear of having their device confiscated.
The "No-Confiscation" Clause: If they come to you with a safety concern or something they saw that made them uncomfortable, the device isn't taken away as a "punishment." This ensures they actually talk to you.
A Family Media Agreement isn't about restriction; it’s about intention. We want our kids to be masters of their tools, not slaves to the algorithm.
The "Great Reset" is your chance to say: "The way we were doing things wasn't working for our family's happiness. Let's try a new way."
- Take the Survey: Use the Screenwise Family Survey to see how your habits compare to your community.
- Hold a Meeting: Order pizza, put all the phones in a basket, and talk through the agreement.
- Print and Post: Put the agreement on the fridge.
- Review Monthly: The digital world changes. Your agreement should too.
Get started with our customizable Family Media Agreement template