Templates & Tools

Practical resources for safer family technology.

Download ready-to-use device agreements designed to help families turn digital-safety advice into practical action. Each agreement provides a useful starting point that can be adapted to your household, your child and the technology they use.

Children and technology

Device Agreements

Age-appropriate agreements for discussing how a child will use their phone, tablet or other personal device, what is expected from everyone and what should happen when help is needed.
The suggested age ranges are starting points rather than fixed rules. Parents and carers should review the options and choose the agreement that best reflects their child’s maturity, experience and the way the device will be used.

Ages 7–10

My First Device Agreement

A simple agreement for a child receiving their first personal device, with clear parent-led boundaries and straightforward language.

Covers looking after the device, asking before downloads or purchases, safer communication, passwords and getting help when something goes wrong.

Download agreement →
Ages 11–13

Family Device Agreement

A more detailed agreement for children gaining greater independence across their devices, apps and online activity.

Covers apps, social media, location sharing, passwords, purchases, privacy, screen time and how parental controls will be used.

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Ages 14–17

Teen Device Agreement

A collaborative agreement built around increasing trust, privacy, independence and personal responsibility.

Covers account security, scams, apps and purchases, location sharing, privacy, respectful behaviour, transparent safety controls and proportionate consequences.

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Using the agreements

Use the agreement as a conversation, not a lecture.

A device agreement works best when the child understands why it exists and has an opportunity to discuss what feels reasonable. Completing it together is more valuable than simply handing over a list of rules.

Completing an agreement

Work through the document together before the device is handed over or when existing arrangements need to be reset.

  • Choose the appropriate age versionUse the agreement designed for the child’s age group, then adjust individual details to reflect their maturity and how the device will be used.
  • Discuss each sectionExplain why each point matters and give the child an opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns.
  • Agree the practical detailsDecide which apps, purchases, settings and boundaries apply, rather than leaving important expectations unclear.
  • Make help-seeking safeMake it clear that asking for help will not automatically mean losing the device. A mistake is different from deliberately breaking an agreed rule.
  • Review it regularlyRevisit the agreement around every three months, and whenever the child receives a new device or their needs and independence change.

What an agreement can provide

The objective is not to create a legal contract or a new reason for conflict. It is to establish shared expectations before a difficult situation occurs.

  • Clearer expectationsChildren and parents know what has been agreed around devices, apps, communication, privacy and spending.
  • Safer conversationsChildren know when they should pause, ask for help or tell an adult about something that has happened online.
  • Shared responsibilitiesThe child makes commitments about safer use, while parents commit to explaining controls, respecting reasonable privacy and applying consequences proportionately.
  • Greater trustExpectations become more transparent and can develop as the child demonstrates responsibility and gains independence.
  • A consistent responseEveryone has already discussed what should happen if a device is lost, an account is compromised or an online interaction causes concern.
A flexible starting point

Adapt the agreement as your child grows.

These documents are practical family agreements rather than legal contracts. They are designed to support discussion, clarify expectations and develop safer habits.

Review the agreement as technology, circumstances and family needs change. Restrictions that were appropriate at one age may need to develop into greater trust and independence over time.