The first phone & social account kit

A new device is a family conversation. Use this checklist before you begin, then make a simple agreement you can revisit together.

These prompts help you plan; they are not a readiness score or a recommendation for a particular starting age.

Before the first sign-in

Check items as you go. Checkmarks are temporary and reset when this page is reloaded.

We can explain why this device or account is useful and agree which features to start with.
We checked the service’s age requirements and will use an accurate age when creating the account.
We set up account recovery, a strong unique password, and additional sign-in protection where available.
We reviewed contacts, messages, location sharing, content, and purchase permissions together.
We chose places or times when devices rest, including a charging spot.
We practiced blocking or reporting a contact and asking a trusted adult for help.
We agreed when to check in again and how permissions can change.

Print & fill in together

We will listen, ask questions, and adjust this plan as we learn. Asking for help matters even when a rule was broken.

What we want this device or account to help us do

Apps, contacts, and purchases we will discuss first

When and where our devices will rest

What stays private, including photos and location

Trusted adults we can go to when something feels wrong

What adults agree to do, including our own device habits

Our next check-in date

Keep the completed agreement somewhere private. Nothing written on your printed copy is sent to this website.

Safer Not Scared · https://safernotscared.org/parents/first-phone/

Planning resource: American Academy of Pediatrics — making a family media plan. Source checked October 3, 2026. The agreement above is an original set of discussion prompts.