Talk About Media
Keep the conversation going |
Chat regularly with your kids about what they’re seeing in media and how it makes them feel.
Help them spot the tricky stuff |
Teach them to recognize ads, fake content, and when something online just isn’t right.
Show them how to talk about media |
Think out loud, share your thoughts, and really listen when they share theirs.
Kindness & Empathy
Teach kids to pause before posting |
Encourage them to think, “Would I say this face-to-face?” before texting or commenting.
Talk about online behavior together |
Use real examples to discuss how to handle toxic or hurtful situations in a better way.
Have a cyberbullying plan |
Make sure they know what to do and who to talk to if something goes wrong online.
Screen Free Zones
Set screen-free zones and times |
Keep meals, bedrooms at night, and car rides free from screens.
Delay social media use |
Wait until at least age 13 and stay involved in how your child uses it.
Create a device plan for school |
Talk about when, where, and how devices should be used during the school day.
Screen Free Time
Make a weekly screen schedule |
Choose days that are okay for screen, plan screen-free times, and stick to one screen at a time.
Protect key routines |
Keep screens off before school, during family time, and in the hour before bed.
Support healthy sleep habits |
Avoid screens at night and keep devices out of bedrooms during sleep.
Staying Safe Online
Set safety and privacy rules |
Use strong privacy settings and make sure kids know not to chat with strangers online.
Keep media age-appropriate |
Limit screen time for little ones and help kids avoid videos or sites that aren’t meant for them.
Teach kids to be kind and careful online |
Talk about not oversharing and how to treat others with respect in texts, games, and posts.
Choose Good Media
Be intentional with media choices |
Focus on content that’s creative, educational, or encourages kindness.
Stay involved with what kids use |
Review games and apps together before they play or download them.
Make a plan for spending and trying media |
Talk about online purchases and try new content as a family while removing what doesn’t work.
Use Media Together
Planning family movie nights |
Schedule things like movie nights to enjoy and connect through media.
Co-viewing media as a learning tool |
Talk with your kids during and after watching to connect and help our kids learn.
Make media a shared activity |
Playing apps and games or watching videos together as a family.