A key message in the latest report by the American Academy of Pediatrics is for families to be thoughtful about media use in the home. “Have a plan”, they suggest. Specifically, “Make a media use plan, including mealtime and bedtime curfews for media devices. Screens should be kept out of kids’ bedrooms.”
Right on cue, the team at Best Kids Apps (two marvelous moms, Jamie and Jen) published an example of what’s working in their families. I’d like to reference it here on the Moms With Apps blog in case parents are ready to put some plans into action.
For context, the AAP report emphasizes the importance of media planning because media plays such a central role in the lives of teens and tweens. Setting expectations upfront about acceptable behavior can ease conflict down the line. Ideally, these expectations are clear before a new device enters the home.
What I like about Jamie & Jen’s plan is that it allows room for personal freedom with a framework of common courtesy and respect. It is written in the sweet spot between independence and over-protection. Especially this part on time management: “I’ll be careful not to spend too much time online. I won’t let it interfere with sleep, schoolwork, hobbies, and my offline relationships with my friends and family. I will not use my phone or computer recreationally after 9pm at night. I understand that if I cannot respect this rule, my parents will hold my devices overnight.”
[And here I am, writing this post after 9:00 at night. I want a media plan too!]
For the full plan, please visit it here at Best Kids Apps: http://www.bestkidsapps.com/for-parents/family-media-agreement/
Thanks again Jamie & Jen for sharing your experiences from the front lines! As you can see, I’m taking notes.
