Dear Parent,
This contract is designed to create an open line of communication between you and your child regarding their mobile phone. .
The goal is to help your child begin to use their technology with intention, NOT be ruled by it.
We advise you to review this contract and decide upon the family values which matter to you and modify its terms to suit you.
Some helpful tips:
- You will never have as much control or power as before you hand over the phone so be as strict as possible. You can always ease off the rules as they grow
- Don’t assign a set age or year group to give them a phone. Base it off of your relationship with them and their maturity in general. If you have younger children, remember the age at which you give the elder will need to be replicated for younger siblings UNLESS you afford them the privilege of a phone based on their maturity.
- Don’t give your child a phone as a present as this indicates the phone is theirs. It is not. It is yours and you are lending it to them. This means that when you ask for it, it belongs to you and not them.
- Social media platforms have a minimum age of 13 and we recommend at the very least waiting until then to allow them access. However our personal recommendation is to delay, delay, delay.
- At the very least, enable the family safety links which are on the phone ( Family Link for Android or IOS Family for Iphones). We have helpful guides if you would like some help with setting these up.
- Start with as locked down or as basic a phone as possible. It is important they begin to understand the phone is there to be used intentionally.
- Remove all notifications from all downloaded apps. They do not need the distraction.
Dear (Name),
CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve proven yourself mature and responsible enough for your own mobile phone. Given that you have a new mobile phone in your hands, we obviously trust you to make good decisions—so why are we making you sign this contract that’s loaded with stuff that you probably already know?
Well, let me get to the point.
A mobile 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 really thoughtful and considerate child, 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.
With love,
NAME
- Mobile 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 (8pm pm) every school night and every weekend night at (8pm). I will get it back in the morning. 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. If I’m sent a naked image, I will inform a trusted adult and ask their advice. I will NEVER forward on a naked or inappropriate photo. Initial here: ______
5) I will never search for illicit adult content or anything else that I wouldn’t want my grandmother 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 mobile phone (this includes social media accounts when and if applicable). 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: ______
11) I understand in Dubai it is a criminal act to call someone by a name ( in person, online or in a text/whatsapp) which can lead to a fine of between 5,000aed to 250,000aed AND a jail term. This also applies to swear words and rude hand gestures ( in person or online). Whilst this may not affect me, it could affect my parents and in particular my mother/father who has put her/his Emirates ID against my phone contract. Initial here:_______
12) No phones in my bedroom during the day initially. Permission will be granted upon my general respect and behaviour on my mobile phone. Initial here:______
13) No phones overnight in my bedroom or at the kitchen/dining table. Initial here:_______
14) Initially, I will not give my number out without my parents’ approval. Initial here:_________
I understand that having this phone is not a right–it is a privilege that can be taken away if my parents feel my behaviour and/or grades drop or if my use of the phone is questionable. 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 here
It is easier when there are more of us. Whether that is implementing new rules, starting the phone journey or when to allow social media, having parents with children in your child’s life makes this process easier. We are going to link parents together and all we ask is you supply this information. When there are 5 parents per year in your school, we can join you together and share the parent pact. Please fill out the form for each child.