It may sound very formal, but have you considered creating a digital contract with your child to help manage things like the use of technology, screentime and time spent communicating with their peers using apps? A digital contract can be a great way for all the family to feel part of the decisions that are reached when it comes to time spent online and the part technology plays in family life.
Creating a Digital Contract with Kids: A Complete Guide for Families
The basis of any digital contract should be to help your child build an awareness of having a balance when it comes to the use of technology, particularly when they are out of their usual routine over the summer months. ncouragement and open communication are both central to supporting your child with regard to this. Regularly remind your child of the importance of spending time with their friends in settings that do not involve using digital devices and communicating online. Encourage and promote moderation in the amount of time that your child spends online and using devices such as smartphones to communicate. Talk with your child, so that they begin to think about the time they spend online as an important element of their overall wellbeing. In other words, too much time spent on screens or sitting playing online games can have an impact on their current and future wellbeing. In a similar way to the way in which healthy eating is incorporated into family life, digital health needs to be seen in a similar way. Encourage your family to have regular digital detox days and incorporate digital health into your family’s digital contract.
Why Create a Digital Contract?
Whether it’s summertime freedom, busy school schedules, or a shift to new routines, the lack of structure can make managing screentime more difficult. A digital contract:
-
Encourages children to understand the importance of digital balance
-
Helps set healthy boundaries around devices, games and apps
-
Supports positive family communication about online behaviour
-
Reinforces online safety skills in a practical, memorable way
Most importantly, it empowers children to take responsibility for their digital wellbeing.
Once you have negotiated as a family what things need to be in your digital contract, be that screentime, an amount of time to be spent gaming online or how much time is allowed to be spent messaging friends each day, the digital contract can then be signed by both children and parents and be put up in a central place at home as a reminder to everyone of what has been agreed.
Finally, as with every contract there should be regular reviews of the digital contract. Every fortnight to three weeks is a good guide. Make sure that all family members have their voices heard about what is working and what is not in relation to the contract and again negotiate any changes that may be needed.
A digital contract can certainly be a great way to offer a structure to creating a balance in the use of technology. Best of luck creating your digital contract!
Helping children and teenagers build a healthy relationship with technology is an ongoing challenge for families—especially during school holidays, at the start of a new academic year, or whenever routines change. One of the most effective and collaborative ways to support balanced digital habits is by creating a digital contract.
A digital contract is a simple agreement between parents and children that outlines expectations around screentime, online communication, gaming, and general technology use. Beyond rules, it promotes balance, wellbeing and open communication—values that remain consistent across every stage of childhood.
This comprehensive guide combines key insights from across our resources to help you create a digital contract that works for every member of your family.
Keeping Balance at the Core
Every digital contract should emphasise digital balance. This means helping children recognise that time online is part of their overall wellbeing—just like eating well, exercising or getting enough sleep.
Encourage your child to:
-
Spend time with friends in offline settings
-
Moderate the amount of time spent on devices
-
Be conscious of how much they message, game or browse daily
-
Understand how excessive screentime may affect their long-term wellbeing
Introducing regular digital detox days can help your family step back from screens and reset. These detox days can be added into the digital contract as a non-negotiable part of digital health.
Make the Process Positive and Collaborative
Creating a digital contract shouldn’t feel like a lecture. Digital contract with kids, Turning it into a fun, inclusive activity helps children feel invested in the agreement.
Some tips to get started:
-
Make it enjoyable: Let kids decorate or design the contract page.
-
Choose a few core topics rather than creating a long list of rules.
-
Include online safety reminders, such as the Stop, Block, Tell rule—ideal for younger children navigating online challenges.
-
Ensure everyone signs the contract, including parents. When children see adults modelling healthy digital behaviour, they are more likely to follow suit.
What Should Go Into Your Digital Contract?
While the specifics depend on your family, common areas include:
-
Daily screentime limits
-
Rules for gaming (duration, time of day, approved games)
-
Messaging and social media guidelines
-
Device-free zones (dinner table, bedrooms, car rides, etc.)
-
Digital detox days
-
Online safety rules (Stop, Block, Tell, privacy tips, kindness online)
Once agreed upon, display the contract in a central place at home so everyone is reminded of the expectations.
Review the Contract Regularly
Just like any agreement, a digital contract needs periodic review. Every two to three weeks is a good guideline.
Use review time to:
-
Discuss what’s working well
-
Talk openly about areas causing stress or conflict
-
Adjust rules that no longer fit your routine
-
Celebrate improvements and positive behaviour
Regular check-ins help reinforce that a digital contract isn’t punishment—it’s an evolving tool that supports everyone’s wellbeing.
Using Digital Contracts in Schools
Digital contracts aren’t just for home. Digital contract with kids, Teachers and school leaders can also introduce the idea in classrooms to encourage responsible digital behaviour among students.
It can help children:
-
Reflect on their digital habits
-
Learn to self-manage technology use
-
Build a shared understanding of online respect and safety
Starting these conversations early helps reinforce consistent expectations between home and school.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s summer holidays, a new school year, or a shift in everyday routines, a digital contract is a powerful tool for helping children maintain balance in their digital lives. It encourages moderation, supports wellbeing and strengthens communication within the family.
Digital contract with kids, With collaboration, consistency and regular check-ins, your digital contract will become a positive part of family life—and a practical guide to navigating technology with confidence.
Best of luck creating your family’s digital contract!
Explore Zeeko’s Home Page to discover our mission on the About Us Page, innovative Phone Blocking System, and engaging Phoenix Quest 10 programme. We provide Internet Safety Seminars, the Zeeko Report Card, and the Magical Leaders Choose Country initiative, alongside insights from our Digital Trend Report. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.