KNOWLEDGE LIBRARY · Preschool, school-age, and teen families Make a family screen and media plan together Agree screen-free moments, adult examples, and regular check-ins.
Source-linked preview · Review pending Published 2026-11-03 · Updated 2026-11-03 · 3 linked practice questions
FOR THIS STAGE · Preschool, school-age, and teen families General family guidance from the US AAP. Adapt agreements to age and accessibility needs; these questions do not assess screen addiction or mental health.
US public-health guidance · Read sources & review status ↓ A media plan is easier to discuss when everyone has a part in it. Begin with one shared routine rather than a long list of penalties.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Choose shared screen-free moments ↓ Include the adults ↓ Revisit agreements as life changes ↓ Put it into practice ↓ Choose shared screen-free moments Discuss screen-free places or times, such as meals, and leave space for play, reading, and other activities.
THE POINT TO REMEMBER A family plan can protect time for face-to-face connection.
Include the adults Create expectations for every family member, including adults. Your own habits are part of the example children see.
THE POINT TO REMEMBER Adults are role models for everyday media habits.
Revisit agreements as life changes Review the plan as children grow and routines change. Discuss what is working before changing the agreements.
THE POINT TO REMEMBER A media plan should evolve with the family’s needs.
Read it. Try it. Come back to why. Original reflection: invite each family member to suggest one screen-free moment and one activity they want more time for. Agree when to review the experiment.
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