Lesson Plan
Screen Smart Boundaries Lesson Plan
Parents will assess current device and social media habits, identify stress points, and develop practical strategies—culminating in a personalized family screen-time contract—to foster balanced digital use.
This workshop empowers parents to model and enforce healthy digital boundaries, reducing stress, minimizing conflict, and strengthening family well-being and resilience.
Audience
Parents
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, personal reflection, and collaborative contract design.
Materials
- Projector or Screen, * Screen Smart Boundaries Slides, * Family Screen Time Contract Template, * Device Boundary Strategies Worksheet, * Sticky Notes, * Flip Chart or Whiteboard, and * Markers
Prep
Prepare Workshop Resources
15 minutes
- Ensure projector or screen is set up and slides loaded.
- Print copies of Family Screen Time Contract Template and Device Boundary Strategies Worksheet.
- Arrange seating for small-group discussions around tables or in clusters.
- Test audio/video equipment; load the Screen Smart Boundaries Slides.
- Review key discussion prompts and activities in all materials.
Step 1
Welcome and Overview
10 minutes
- Greet participants and introduce yourself and the session’s purpose.
- Share the agenda and workshop objectives.
- Icebreaker: Ask each parent to share one word that comes to mind for “screen time,” and note responses on the flip chart.
Step 2
Understanding Impact
20 minutes
- Present research on device overuse, stress, attention, and family dynamics via Screen Smart Boundaries Slides.
- Facilitate a Q&A: Invite parents to discuss personal challenges and observations.
Step 3
Self-Reflection Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute Device Boundary Strategies Worksheet.
- Ask parents to map their own and their family’s screen habits, noting stress points and conflict triggers.
- Prompt them to jot down current rules and pain points.
Step 4
Break
5 minutes
- Allow parents to stretch and refresh.
- Rearrange seating if needed for group work.
Step 5
Design Family Contracts
25 minutes
- Form small groups of 3–4 parents.
- Provide Family Screen Time Contract Template.
- Have each group collaborate to draft a realistic, flexible agreement for their household.
- Circulate to support, ask probing questions, and share boundary-setting tips.
Step 6
Share and Feedback
10 minutes
- Invite each group to present their draft contract.
- Facilitate peer feedback: What elements resonate? What practical challenges might arise?
- Record standout strategies on the flip chart.
Step 7
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
5 minutes
- Summarize key takeaways and review best practices.
- Encourage parents to implement their contracts, revisit in one month, and adjust as needed.
- Offer to share supplemental resources and thank everyone for participating.
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Slide Deck
Screen Smart Boundaries Workshop
An interactive 90-minute session for parents to learn practical strategies to establish and maintain healthy device and social media boundaries for the whole family.
Agenda:
- Welcome & Icebreaker
- Why Boundaries Matter
- Self-Reflection
- Break
- Family Contract Design
- Share & Feedback
- Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and the purpose of today’s workshop: exploring how to set healthy, sustainable boundaries with screens for you and your family. Briefly run through the agenda on the slide. Transition into the icebreaker by inviting each parent to share one word that comes to mind when they hear “screen time.”
Welcome & Icebreaker
• Share one word that comes to mind when you hear “screen time.”
• We’ll capture your thoughts on the board and revisit them later.
Prompt participants to say one word each; jot responses on the flip chart. Highlight common themes—stress, distraction, connection—and tie them back to our goals today.
Why Healthy Screen Boundaries Matter
• 70% of parents report stress over family screen use.
• Excessive device time can impair attention and sleep.
• Unchecked use often leads to conflict and reduced quality time.
Present key findings from recent studies: increased device use correlates with higher parental stress, reduced attention spans in children, and more frequent family conflict. Use engaging visuals or graphs if available.
Discussion: Personal Challenges
Q: What real-life challenges have you faced with screens in your household?
• Share a brief example.
• How did it affect your family dynamics?
Invite parents to talk about their own experiences. Ask: What has been your biggest challenge in managing screens at home? Keep the discussion focused and encouraging—capture one or two illustrative stories.
Self-Reflection Activity
- Distribute Device Boundary Strategies Worksheet.
- Map your family’s current screen habits and stress triggers.
- List any rules or pain points you already have.
Distribute the Device Boundary Strategies Worksheet. Walk through the three steps: mapping habits, identifying stress points, and noting existing rules. Encourage honest reflection.
Break
Take 5 minutes to stretch and refresh.
Rearrange seating into small groups for our next activity.
Announce a 5-minute break. Encourage parents to stretch, grab a drink, and rearrange seating for group work on the next activity.
Design Your Family Contract
- Form small groups (3–4 parents).
- Use the Family Screen Time Contract Template.
- Draft a realistic, flexible household agreement.
- We’ll circulate to offer boundary-setting tips.
Form groups of 3–4. Hand out the Family Screen Time Contract Template. Guide groups to draft contracts that balance flexibility with clear rules. Circulate to offer tips and answer questions.
Share & Feedback
• Each group presents its draft contract.
• Peer Feedback:
– What elements resonate?
– What practical challenges might arise?
Note standout strategies on the board.
Invite each group to present their draft. Use the prompts to guide peer feedback—focus on what works well and potential hurdles. Capture standout ideas on the flip chart.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Key Takeaways:
• Model balanced device use.
• Keep rules clear, realistic, and flexible.
• Revisit and revise after one month.
Thank you! Reach out for supplemental resources and ongoing support.
Summarize the session’s key takeaways. Encourage parents to implement their contracts, check-in after one month, and adjust as needed. Offer additional resources or support channels and thank everyone for their participation.
Worksheet
Device Boundary Strategies Worksheet
Use this worksheet to reflect on your family’s device use habits and identify stress triggers. Complete each section below.
1. Daily Screen Use Inventory
For each family member listed below, note the devices used, average daily screen time, and primary uses.
a) Yourself (devices, time, uses):
b) Partner/Co-parent (devices, time, uses):
c) Child 1 (Name, Age) (devices, time, uses):
d) Child 2 (Name, Age) (devices, time, uses):
2. Stress & Conflict Points
Describe a recent instance where screen use caused stress or conflict in your household. Include context, what happened, and how it affected everyone involved.
List common times or scenarios when screen use becomes a stress trigger (e.g., mealtimes, bedtime, homework):
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
3. Current Rules & Challenges
List any existing rules or guidelines you have for screen use. For each rule, note any challenges you face enforcing it.
- Rule: ______________________ Challenge: ______________________
- Rule: ______________________ Challenge: ______________________
- Rule: ______________________ Challenge: ______________________
4. Desired Boundaries & Goals
Identify three specific boundaries you’d like to implement (e.g., no devices during dinner) and explain the expected benefit for each.
- ___________________________ Benefit: ___________________________
- ___________________________ Benefit: ___________________________
- ___________________________ Benefit: ___________________________
5. Strategy Brainstorm
Brainstorm practical strategies, tools, or routines to support the boundaries above. List as many ideas as possible.
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
Project Guide
Family Screen Time Contract Template
Use this template to draft a personalized agreement that sets clear, realistic boundaries around device and social media use for your household.
Date Created: _______________________
1. Participating Family Members
List everyone who agrees to this contract and their role.
- Parent/Guardian 1: _______________________
- Parent/Guardian 2: _______________________
- Child 1 (Name, Age): _______________________
- Child 2 (Name, Age): _______________________
- Additional Member: _______________________
2. Agreed Boundaries & Rules
For each rule, describe the boundary, its benefit, and how you’ll keep everyone accountable.
Rule 1: _______________________
Expected Benefit: _______________________
Accountability Plan: _______________________
Rule 2: _______________________
Expected Benefit: _______________________
Accountability Plan: _______________________
Rule 3: _______________________
Expected Benefit: _______________________
Accountability Plan: _______________________
Add additional rules as needed.
3. Family Screen-Time Goals
What positive outcomes do we aim for? (e.g., more family meals, better sleep.)
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
4. Roles & Responsibilities
Who will help monitor and support each boundary?
- Name: ______________________ Responsibility: _______________________
- Name: ______________________ Responsibility: _______________________
- Name: ______________________ Responsibility: _______________________
5. Consequences for Non-Compliance
Describe fair, consistent steps if a rule is broken.
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
- ___________________________
6. Review & Adjustment Plan
Schedule a follow-up to reflect on progress and tweak the contract.
- Next Check-In Date: _______________________
- Discussion Leader: _______________________
- Key Questions to Consider:
- What’s working well?
- What challenges remain?
- Which rules need adjusting?
Signatures
By signing below, all participants agree to uphold this contract and support one another in creating a balanced digital lifestyle.
| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Parent/Guardian 1 | ______________________ | _______________ |
| Parent/Guardian 2 | ______________________ | _______________ |
| Child 1 (Name, Age) | ______________________ | _______________ |
| Child 2 (Name, Age) | ______________________ | _______________ |
| Additional Member | ______________________ | _______________ |