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Social Media Contract for Teens and Tweens: A 2025 Parent’s Guide to Digital Safety

Introduction to Social Media Contract for Teens and Tween:

Did you know that 84% of teenagers use social media, with most accessing platforms multiple times per day? As parents, we’re navigating uncharted territory when it comes to raising digitally savvy kids. We need to be mindful and SMART with online safety.

I’ve seen awesome social media agreements that actually work! A well-crafted social media contract isn’t just about setting rules – it’s about opening up crucial conversations about digital citizenship and online safety. Let’s explore how to create a contract that both protects your child and respects their growing independence.

Plus at the bottom of this page, you can download Our Social Media Contract for Teens and Tweens.

Related:

Why Should Social Media Have Age Restrictions

Social Media Impact On Teen Relationships

Why Your Family Needs a Social Media Contract

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 59% of teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying, and honestly, I’m not surprised. As both a mom of four and a positive discipline educator, I’ve seen firsthand how social media can turn from fun to frightening in the blink of an eye.

Here’s the thing about screen time that really opened my eyes: research from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shows that teens spend an average of 9 hours daily on digital media.

Nine hours! That’s more time than they spend sleeping some days. And let me tell you, I’ve watched those hours slowly chip away at my kids’ grades and mood.

But it’s not all doom and gloom! You will see amazing transformations after implementing a social media contract with your kids.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), establishing consistent media boundaries helps children develop healthy digital habits.

Dr. Jenny Radesky, a lead author of the AAP’s media use guidelines, emphasizes that “Media and digital devices are an integral part of our world… The key is mindful use of media within a family.”

The AAP’s research shows that when parents establish and maintain clear boundaries around technology use, children show better self-regulation with digital media.

The benefits of starting early with these boundaries are huge. It will bring you closer as a family – and if done right discussing TikTok could lead to deeper conversations about self-worth and privacy.

Essential Components of a Social Media Contract for Teens and Tweens

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of what needs to go into your social media contract. After three years of tweaking and adjusting (and plenty of trial and error!), I’ve found certain elements that are absolute must-haves.

Time Limits

First up: time limits and tech-free zones. Maybe this could be all phones in the kitchen charging station at 9 PM sharp.

No exceptions – even for mom and dad! The American Academy of Pediatrics backs this up, recommending consistent media-free times and locations to support better sleep habits and family connections.

Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are another non-negotiable in this contract. Consider having a monthly “privacy check-up” where you can review all settings together. It’s can turn into a nice bonding activity.

Appropriate Photos and Videos

When it comes to photos and videos, we follow what I call the “Grandma Rule” or “Teacher Rule” – if you wouldn’t want Grandma or teacher to see it, don’t post it!

This simple guideline has prevented so many potential problems. We also have a family agreement about sharing photos of others – everyone needs to give a thumbs up before their image goes online.

Password Sharing

Password sharing was initially met with eye-rolls and protests of “But Mom, don’t you trust me?” Trust isn’t the issue – safety is.

Sharing passwords with parents is like having a spare key to their room. We won’t use it unless there’s a real concern for their safety. The Common Sense Media organization strongly supports this approach, noting that parental oversight significantly reduces risky online behavior.

App Restrictions

For app restrictions, we use a tier system based on age and responsibility level. A 16-year-old has more flexibility than a 12-year-old, but both understand that new apps need to be discussed first.

This has actually led to some fascinating conversations about why certain apps might be risky or inappropriate.

Cyberbullying Response

The cyberbullying response section of the social media contract for teens and tween might be the most important. We’ve outlined specific steps: screenshot the bullying (document it!), don’t respond immediately (cool-down period), and always tell a parent or trusted adult.

Having these steps written down helps kids feel more in control when facing tough situations online.

Digital Footprints

Lastly, we talk about digital footprints – something many kids don’t really grasp at first. I use the analogy of walking on wet cement: everything you do online leaves a mark that can harden and become permanent.

This really clicked for my daughter when she was applying for a job and realized potential employers might look at her social media!

Remember, your contract doesn’t have to be perfect right away. Ours certainly wasn’t! The key is to start somewhere and adjust as needed. Some of our best contract additions came from my kids’ suggestions – they often understand the social media landscape better than we do!

Consequences for Not Following the Social Media Contract for Teens and Tweens

When making a social media contract, using a positive discipline instead of punishment approach can be effective in letting teens and tweens help come up with logical consequences if they break the rules.

Instead of just having adults make all the rules and consequences, parents and kids can work together to decide what should happen if someone doesn’t follow the agreement. This way, we feel more in control and are more likely to stick to the rules because we helped create them.

Plus, it makes the whole thing feel fair and shows that parents trust kids to make good choices. By working out these consequences together, everyone’s on the same page, and it’s easier to stay responsible online.

Related:

Logical Consequences

Natural Consequences

Printable Social Media Contract for Teens and Tweens

Below is the actual contract, but for a FREE Printable Copy of the contract head on over to —> Social Media Contract for Teens and Tweens

Family Social Media Contract

A partnership between _________________ (teen) and _________________ (parents)

Our Shared Values and Goals

We believe that social media can be a positive tool for connection, creativity, and learning when used responsibly. This agreement is designed to help us use social media safely while building trust and maintaining open communication.

Time Management

I (teen) agree to:

• Follow these screen time limits:
  • School days: _____ hours max (recommended: 2-3 hours)
  • Weekends: _____ hours max (recommended: 3-4 hours)
• Not use social media during these times:
  • School hours (except during lunch)
  • Family meals
  • After _____ PM on school nights
  • During homework time (unless required for school)
• Keep all devices in the family charging station during:
  • Overnight (from _____ PM to _____ AM)
  • Family activities
  • Meals

Privacy and Security

I agree to:

• Share my passwords with my parents (these will only be used in emergencies)
• Keep my accounts private/friends-only
• Never share personal information online, including:
  • Home address
  • Phone number
  • School name/location
  • Birth date
  • Financial information
• Review my privacy settings with a parent monthly
• Get parent approval before:
  • Creating new accounts
  • Downloading new apps
  • Accepting friend requests from unknown people
  • Joining online groups or communities

Content Guidelines

I will:

• Follow the “THINK Method” rule before posting:
  • T – Is it True?
  • H – Is it Helpful?
  • I – Is it Inspiring?
  • N – Is it Necessary?
  • K – Is it Kind?
• Get permission before posting photos/videos of others
• Never share or request inappropriate content – even being silly – Remember the “Grandma Rule” and the “Teacher Rule”
• Never share my location publicly
• Remove posts if asked by family or friends
• Think about my digital footprint and future opportunities – and jobs

Safety Protocol

I will immediately tell my parents if:

• Someone asks to meet in person
• I receive inappropriate content
• Someone makes me feel uncomfortable
• I witness or experience cyberbullying
• I make a mistake or break this agreement
• I’m unsure about anything online

Cyberbullying Response Plan

If I encounter cyberbullying, I will:

1. Not respond or retaliate
2. Take screenshots as evidence
3. Block the person
4. Tell my parents immediately
5. Report the behavior to the platform
6. Seek help from trusted adults if needed

Parent Commitments

We (parents) agree to:

• Respect your privacy when monitoring
• Listen without judgment when you come to us
• Help you learn from mistakes
• Review and adjust this agreement as you demonstrate responsibility
• Be open to discussion about new apps/platforms
• Model healthy digital habits
• Help you if you encounter problems online
• Maintain reasonable consequences for breaking rules

Consequences

If these guidelines aren’t followed: First violation: Warning and discussion Second violation: _____ days reduced access Third violation: _____ days no social media Serious violations: _____

Special Circumstances

Exceptions to these rules may be made for:

• Special family events
• School projects
• Emergency situations
• Other: _____

Agreement Duration

This contract will be reviewed and updated every _______ months.

Signatures

Teen: _______________________________ Date: _____

Parent: ____________________________ Date: _____

Parent: ____________________________ Date: _____

Emergency Contacts and Resources

• Family tech support person: _____________________________________________
• School counselor: ________________________________________________________
• Cyberbullying hotline: ___________________________________________________
• Online safety website: ___________________________________________________

Approved Platforms and Time Limits

Notes and Amendments

(Use this space to add family-specific rules or modifications)

Conclusion for Social Media Contract for Teens and Tweens

Creating a social media contract is your first step toward helping your child become a responsible digital citizen. Remember, this isn’t about control – it’s about communication, education, and safety.

Start implementing these guidelines today, and don’t forget to revisit and adjust the contract as your child grows and technology evolves. Ready to create your family’s social media contract? Download our customizable template below and start the conversation tonight!