A mom and dad looking at a tablet with their two young sons

Summer media plans can help build healthy habits for the whole family

Once the novelty wears off and the boredom sets in, screentime habits can quickly become an issue for school-age children during breaks from the classroom.

Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics walks parents through the process of making a family media plan. This interactive tool provides useful tips for making and printing a custom plan. It's flexible; users can revisit the plan, revise and reprint.

Here are some AAP guidelines can help set those summertime boundaries

  • Check your children's media use for their health and safety.
  • Stop use of devices or screens an hour before bedtime. Do not let your children sleep with devices such as smartphones.
  • Plan media-free times together, such as family dinners.
  • Decide on media-free, unplugged locations in homes, such as bedrooms.
  • Engage in family activities that promote well-being, such as sports, reading, and talking with each other.
  • Set a good example. Turn off the TV and put your smartphone on "do not disturb" during media-free times with your family.
  • Use sites like Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org) to help you decide if movies, TV shows, apps, and video games are age- and content-appropriate for your children and your family values.
  • Share your family media rules with caregivers or grandparents to help ensure rules are consistent.
  • Talk with your children and teens about online citizenship and safety. This includes treating others with respect online, avoiding cyberbullying and sexting, being wary of online solicitations, and safeguarding privacy.