To all Moms and Dads,

Below are three samples of cell phone contracts between a

parent and their child. Why three?

Parents and family have different styles of operation. You’ll find

that each of these contracts has varying goals, responsibilities

and consequences. I trust one or a mix of the three fits your

family situation.

__________________

The first is from Jennifer O’Donnell and the VeryWellFamily.

com website; her bio: “Jennifer O’Donnell is a former writer

for Verywell Family covering tween parenting. She has covered

parenting and child rearing for more than 8 years as an online

writer. She digs camping, family movie nights, and yoga. She

has been an active volunteer with a children’s service organization

since 2001, working primarily with tweens and teens.

On parenting she says: ‘There’s so much to enjoy and a lot to

worry about. Find a balance and choose your battles carefully.’”

Sample Cell Phone Contract for Parents and Tweens

By Jennifer O’Donnell / July 30, 2021

Deciding if your tween is responsible enough to have a cell

phone isn’t always an easy decision to make. And once you’ve

made it, you will still need to teach your child some basic rules

of cell phone ownership, as well as the responsibilities that come

with having a cell phone.

Creating a cell phone contract between you and your tween

is an excellent way to teach your child about these rules and

responsibilities, as well as the consequences for not seeing them

through. Be sure you go over every item in your contract, giving

your child the opportunity to ask questions and even make

suggestions.

The sample phone contract below can get you and your child

started. Use the contract as is, or edit it according to your own

rules and consequences. Review the contract together periodically,

as circumstances and challenges may change.

Sample Cell Phone Contract

This contract between [Parents’ Names Go Here] and [Tween’s

Name Goes Here] establishes family rules and consequences

regarding cell phone usage.

[Tween’s Name] Cell Phone Responsibilities

Make a list of your child’s responsibilities, such as:

• I will share my phone’s password with my parents and

they may use it to check my phone at any time.

• I will not send threatening or mean texts to others.

• I will not text or place phone calls after 9 p.m.

• I will keep my phone charged at all times.

• I will answer or respond promptly when my parents

contact me.

• I will not bring my cell phone to the family dinner table.

• I will not go over our plan’s monthly minutes or text

message limits. If I do, I understand that I may be responsible

for paying any additional charges or that I may

lose my cell phone privileges.

• I understand that I am responsible for knowing where

my phone is, and for keeping it in good condition.

• I will obey the rules of etiquette regarding cell phones in

public places. I will make sure my phone is turned

off when I am in church, restaurants, or other quiet

settings.

• I will obey any rules my school has regarding cell

phones, such as turning them off during class, or keeping

them on vibrate while riding the school bus.

• I will alert my parents when I receive suspicious or

alarming phone calls or text messages from people I

don’t know.

• I will also alert my parents if I am being harassed by

someone via my cell phone.

• I will not use my cell phone to bully another person.

• I will send no more than _____ texts per day.

• I understand that having a cell phone can be helpful in

an emergency, but I know that I must still practice good

judgment and make good choices that will keep me out

of trouble and out of danger.

• I will not send embarrassing photos of my family or

friends to others. In addition, I will not use my phone’s

camera to take embarrassing photos of others.

• I will not use my phone to buy or download anything

without asking permission first.

Consequences

Then, include the consequences for breaking cell phone usage

rules:

• I understand that having a cell phone is a privilege and

that if I fail to adhere to this contract, my cell phone

privilege may be revoked.

• If needed, I may help pay for the cost of the phone and/

or for excess charges that I incur without permission

from my parents.

• I understand that my cell phone may be taken away if

I talk back to my parents, fail to do my chores, or fail

to keep my grades up.

Parent Responsibilities

Finally, detail the parent responsibilities, including:

• I understand that I will make myself available to answer

any questions my child might have about owning a cell

phone and using it responsibly.

• I will support my child when they alert me to an alarming

message that they have received.

• I will alert my child if our cell phone plan changes and

impacts the plan’s minutes.

• I will give my child _______ warning(s) before I take

his or her cell phone away.

Signed ______________________ [Child / Tween / Teen]

Signed ______________________________ [Parents]

Date ______________________________

Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/a-sample-cellphone-

contract-for-parents-and-tweens-3288540

__________________

The second sample contract is from Sean Grover and appeared

in Psychology Today; his bio: “A psychotherapist and author with

over 25 years of experience with kids and parents. He is a designer

of award-winning youth programs and leads one of the

largest group therapy practices in the United States, in addition

to monthly workshops in clinics, medical centers, youth

organizations, and schools.”

“The Best Technology-Screen Time Contract for Kids” by Sean

Glover

Kids crave structure, consistency, and leadership from parents.

So rather than go to war over screen time, I recommend establishing

a family culture around technology by sitting down

and creating a Family Screen Time Contract.

The contract below provides a basic framework, allowing for

flexibility and customization based on your kids’ ages and your

family’s use of technology. Set aside a time to fill it in together,

edit it, or use it as a jumping off point for discussion. Each family

is different, so each contact will be too.

Remember, the contract is not a punishment but a way to set

healthy screen time boundaries for everyone in your family,

including parents. Screen time devices include smartphones,

computers, laptops, televisions and all game systems.

THE ______ FAMILY SCREEN TIME CONTRACT

1. School Nights & Weeknights

Our family shuts down all our devices at __________ o’clock.

The devices remain off until the next morning. Devices will

not be turned back on until everyone has finished breakfast,

and is dressed and ready to leave.

2. Weekends & Holidays

Our family limits screen time on weekends and holidays to

_______ hours/minutes per day.

3. Travel Vacations

After arriving at our destination, everyone in our family limits

screen time to _____ minutes in the morning and ______

minutes in the evening. We leave our devices in our hotel or vacation

homes and don’t take them on activities, such as hiking,

going to the beach, cycling, etc. If needed, one device may be

designated to be used for directions, photos ,or emergency calls.

4. Screen Time Blackouts

Our family does not use our devices when we have: (check all

that apply)

___ Meals together

___ Family gatherings

___ Friends visiting

___ Playdates

___ Sleepovers

___ To walk or drive

Add your personal family guidelines here:

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

5. Device Storage & Charging

Our family does not store or charge tech devices in our bedrooms

or playrooms. Instead, we keep our devices in a communal

space, which is… __ __ __ __.

6. Screen Time Privilege

Devices aren’t available after school until homework and chores

are completed. Chores may include:

___ Making beds

___ Tidying up rooms

___ Doing dishes

___ Taking care of pets

___ Helping prepare dinner

Add your additional family chores here:

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

7. Alternatives to Screen Time

Our family recognizes that too much screen time is unhealthy.

As a family, we each have weekly physical and creative activities

such as (check at least three):

___ Exercise

___ Sports

___ Musical instruments

___ Art

___ Dance

___ Reading for pleasure

Add your own special activities here:

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Signed ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/

us/blog/when-kids-call-the-shots/201804/

the-best-technology-screen-time-contract-kids

______________________

The third sample is from the irrepressible Josh Shipp, a

well-known parenting commentator. I’ll share his bio again:

“Statistically, Josh Shipp should be dead, in jail, or homeless.

But his success as a preeminent author, speaker, and global

youth empowerment expert is living proof of the power of one

caring adult. A former at-risk foster kid turned youth advocate,

Josh is renowned for the documentary TV series on A&E that

followed his groundbreaking work with youth and families.”

CELL PHONE AGREEMENT

Dear Caring Adult,

This contract is designed to create an open line of communication

between you and your kid regarding their cell phone.

The goal is to help your kid become a well-rounded person

who can coexist with technology, NOT be ruled by it.

You probably find yourself in one of two situations:

1. They already have a cell phone with no clear rules

in place.

Expect the conversation to be a bit tougher here. They will

feel you are setting the ground rules after the game has begun.

Admit that you made a mistake (we all do) and that because you

care about them(which you do), that’s why we are doing this.

2. You’re about to give them a cell phone.

GOOD NEWS! There is no better time to get people to agree

to what you want, than when you’re handing them a shiny new

toy. “I just need you to review and sign this understanding about

your cell phone -- then it’s all yours!”

Edit the contract on the next page as needed to make

it your own.

Encourage your kid to ask questions…

and don’t be afraid to have a few laughs along the way.

Cheers,

Josh Shipp

Founder, OneCaringAdult

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Dear _________________,

CONGRATS! You’ve proven yourself mature and responsible

enough for your own cell phone. Given that you have a new cell

phone in your hands, we obviously trust you to make good decisions—

so why are we making you sign this lame thing that’s

loaded with stuff that you probably already know?

Well, let me get to the point.

A cell phone is more than a piece of technology. If used wrongly,

it can be a weapon that puts your safety at risk. You’ve always

been a great kid, and we want to make sure that you continue

making smart choices.

The goal of this agreement is to make sure that you’re always

safe and happy—and that we always maintain a direct and open

line of communication. I’m asking you to always use your phone

for good and to ask for help from me or a trusted adult when

a situation leaves you feeling scared or unsure.

I. Cell Phone Agreement - RULES

1) I understand that the rules below are for my safety and that

my parents love me more than anything in the world. I understand

that my parents want to give me freedom, while also giving

me enough security to make smart choices. Initial here:

______

2) I promise that my parents will always know my phone passwords.

I understand that my parents have a right to look at my

phone whenever there’s a need for them to do so, even without

my permission.

Initial here: ______

3) I will hand the phone to one of my parents promptly at _____

pm every school night and every weekend night at _____ pm.

I will get it back at _____ am. Initial here: ______

4) I will not send or receive naked photos. Ever. I understand

that there could be serious legal consequences that could put

mine and my parents’ future at-risk. Initial here: ______

5) I will never search for porn or anything else that I wouldn’t

want my grandma finding. Initial here: ______

6) I understand that my behavior on my phone can impact my

future reputation—even in ways that I am not able to predict

or see. Initial here: ______

7) I will tell my parents when I receive suspicious or alarming

phone calls or text messages from people I don’t know. I will

also tell my parents if I am being harassed by someone via my

cell phone. Initial here: ______

8) When I’m old enough, I won’t text and drive. I understand

it’s dangerous and stupid. Initial here: ______

9) I will turn off, silence, and put my phone away in public–especially

in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with

another human being. I am not a rude person. I will not allow

the phone to change this important part of who I am. Initial

here: ______

10) I will NEVER use my phone to bully or tease anyone, even

if others think it’s funny. Initial here: ______

I understand that having this phone is not a right–it is a privilege

that can be taken away. As such, I have read the following

document and agree to the above rules. I understand that if I

have any questions, I should ask.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Sign above

II. Cell Phone Agreement

- CONSEQUENCES

Violation Consequence

1st time ● Loss of the device I

broke the rule with for

6-days

● Sit-down discussion

2nd time

● Loss of the device I

broke the rule with for

one week

● Sit-down discussion

3rd time

● Loss of the device I

broke the rule with for

two weeks

● Sit-down discussion

4th time

(or if the violation is unlawful)

● Loss of the device I

broke the rule with until

further notice.

● In order to regain use of

the device, I should be

able to make a clear case

about what will be different

moving forward.

● Consider the help of a

professional counselor

to help get to the underlying

cause of disregard

for the rules.

I understand that having this phone is not a right–it is a privilege

that can be taken away. As such, I have read the following

document and agree to the above consequences.

I understand that if I have any questions, I should ask.

Signatures Here ____________________

Date ___________________

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