Our Family’s Device User Agreement

As families head into the Term Three break, it is an opportune time to consider how technology should best be used in the home.

Some time ago I was privileged to listen to Richard Culatta talk on the theme, “Digital for good: Rethinking our relationship with technology in a post-COVID world”.

One of the things he said that struck me was that, when it comes to children and technology, parents may be focussing too much on the DON’Ts at the expense of the DOs. For instance, we should be teaching kids to be a good cyber friend, not just teaching them how not to be a cyber bully – in other words, we should be reframing the question as a positive.

So, it was great when Richard presented his own family’s ‘Device User Agreement’, which has been reframed in the positive. Here it is for consideration in your family:

• When should you use your device?
  • You need to finish your jobs before using your phone
  • At mealtimes your phone takes a rest in another room
  • When using your phone, the door stays open
• What should you do with your device?
  • Help us capture family memories
  • Use your phone to help you learn new things
  • Have fun (read, play games, listen to good music)
• Who should you interact with?
  • Stay in touch with your friends, teachers and family
  • Let Mum or Dad know before you start a conversation with someone who is not part of our family
  • Ask Mum or Dad before sending a picture/video to anyone
• What happens when something goes wrong?
  • When you do something with your device that is not in line with this agreement, let us know and we’ll help you figure out how to make it right