How to create a family media plan

Technology is part of everyday life, and managing how your child uses it can be complicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a family media plan, which includes when and where screens are used, what types of content can be consumed and how to stay safe online.

"A family media plan is a way to be intentional about how we use media, because screens can really take over a child's attention and crowd out other important things like hobbies, exercise and building social skills," says Sara Loftin, Clinical Therapist at Children's Health℠.

Loftin shares tips on how to create a family media plan and start conversations with your child about screens and media.

What should a family media plan include?

A family media plan can be unique to each family’s needs. The AAP’s family media planning tool helps create a customized plan for each child, because disconnecting comes easier to some kids and media impacts different kids in different ways. The planning tool covers areas such as balancing media with other activities, choosing quality content and protecting digital privacy and safety.

In general, a family media plan can include:

When screens may or may not be used

• Identify what responsibilities or tasks that need to be done before screens are used (i.e. homework, chores, exercise)

• Outline downtime or when screens may not be used (i.e. during mealtimes, an hour before bed)

• Set time limits (how many minutes or hours per day)

• Dedicate certain times of the day to activities involving screens or media (i.e. one show after school or a movie on the weekends)

Where screens may or may not be used

Many families create screen-free zones, which may prohibit using a screen in certain areas of the house, like:

• Bedrooms

• Behind closed doors

• Dinner table

• Bathrooms

What types of content can be viewed

Not all digital content is the same.

“Digital vegetables” – or better types of content – include:

• How-to or tutorial videos for an offline activity, like drawing, cooking, crafting or learning a dance.

• A video, movie or documentary used to educate the child on something they are genuinely interested in, such as animals, space, music or sports.

• Video calling a family member or friends.

• Playing a collaborative game with a family member or friend they know in real life.

• Games that involve problem-solving, creativity, strategy or building.

• Watching a movie or show together and talking about the characters, friendships, choices or lessons afterward.

• Creative apps used to make music, art, videos or stories rather than only consuming content.

“Digital candy” – or content that is not good for kids and should be limited – includes:

• Rapid-fire, short-form videos designed to keep users scrolling from one clip to the next.

• Games or apps built around frequent rewards, streaks or other features that make it difficult to stop.

• Content that’s primarily focused on products or influencers or encouraging kids to buy things.

• Passively consuming content on multiple devices at the same time, such as scrolling on a phone while watching TV.

Digital safety

Talking to your child about digital safety is an important part of the media plan.

“Before kids cross the street, we teach them to look both ways. Before they ride a bike, we teach them to wear a helmet,” Loftin says. “It’s the same for the internet. There are many potential dangers, so we have to teach kids about how and why it’s important to be safe online.”

To help your child learn about digital safety, you might:

• Share real-life examples about a kid getting into an unsafe situation online.

• Encourage them to think before they post because it can never really be deleted.

• Remind them to alert you or another trusted adult if they ever see something that made them feel weird or just didn’t seem right.

Find more tips for teaching kids about digital safety.

Implementing a family media plan

Putting a family media plan on paper is one thing but following it can be difficult. To help your family stick to the plan, consider:

• Delaying access to technology and media for your younger kids. It is more difficult to take technology away once a child is already using and used to them.

• Using shared tablets or computers. This can naturally limit use, if each family member does not have their own device.

• Turning off notifications.

• Scheduling stopping cues on devices. This can include time limits on certain websites and turning off autoplay on TV streaming services.

• Setting up parental controls for online purchases and downloads.

• Lower tech alternatives. More families are choosing inexpensive wi-fi landlines and smartphone alternatives to limit online access while still staying connected.

Other tips for reducing your child’s screen time

If you’d like to work with a child to reduce their screen time, you might:

• Start with small reductions rather than stopping everything all at once. This might mean implementing a no screens at breakfast policy or putting all devices out of reach an hour before bedtime.

• Talk to them about why it's important to reduce screen time. Let them know that too much screen time can negatively affect their brain development and mental health.

• Encourage kids to think about what screens are replacing. This could include time with friends and family, sports or sleep.

• Talk about how apps and products are designed to keep their attention as long as possible.

• Talk about what they can do instead of screen time. You might brainstorm a list and put it somewhere where everyone can see it.

Learn more

Children's Health is committed to helping kids thrive – physically, socially and emotionally. We offer play therapy for kids coping with chronic illness, child-parent relationship training classes and comprehensive mental health support for kids of all ages. Learn more about our programs to support mental, emotional and behavioral health.

You can also access emotional care and support from the comfort of your home. With a behavioral health care appointment, you can speak to a board-certified psychiatrist or licensed therapist through video technology. Learn more about Virtual Visit Behavioral Health.