The First Device Family Contract: A Free Template

A ready-to-use family contract for your child’s first phone or tablet: screen-free zones, password rules, spending and fair consequences.

The easiest time to set screen rules is before the device comes out of the box. Once habits form, every new rule feels like a punishment. A simple family contract turns the rules into something you agree together.

Why a family contract works

• It is clear. Everyone knows the rules, so there is less arguing later.
• It is shared. Children who help write the rules are more likely to keep them.
• It can grow. You can review it as your child shows more responsibility.

Not sure your child is ready yet? Read 5 signs your child is ready for a phone first.

Our first device family contract

Copy the rules below, change any that do not fit your family, and sign it together.

Screen-free zones and times

• No devices at mealtimes, for anyone in the family.
• The device sleeps outside my bedroom at night.
• Homework comes before games and videos.

Safety and passwords

• My parents know my passcode. It is for safety, not spying.
• I only chat with people I know in real life.
• I never share my address, school or location online.
• If something online scares or upsets me, I tell a grown-up. I will not be in trouble for telling.

Kindness and sharing

• I do not send anything I would not say to someone’s face.
• I ask before posting photos of other people.

Money

• I always ask before buying anything, even if it says “free”.

Our guide to in-app purchases and bill shock explains how to back this rule up with the right settings.

Parent promises

A contract works best when it goes both ways. Parents can promise to:

• Listen calmly when something goes wrong.
• Put our own phones away at mealtimes too.
• Review the rules together every few months.

What happens if rules are broken

Agree the consequence in advance, so it never feels random. Keep it short and fair, for example: “If the device stays in my room at night, it lives in the kitchen for the next two days.” Then move on. The aim is learning, not punishment.

Make the rules stick automatically

Rules on paper are a great start, but remembering to enforce them every evening is exhausting. Young Minds App turns your contract into routines that run on their own:

• Study Mode for “homework first”.
• Wind Down to ease off screens before bed.
• Bedtime so the device really does sleep at night.

Use our free setup finder to get a ready-made plan for your child’s age, and compare devices in smartphones vs. dumbphones.