Families are urged to develop device and media use plans. Plans will take into account each child's age, health, personality, and developmental stage. The effects of technology and media use on children also depend on the:

• Content type and quality (age-appropriate, educational).
• Context of use (when, where, why, how and with whom).
• Degree to which its use supports critical thinking.
• Degree to which it promotes creation over consumption.
• Degree to which it is active versus passive

These factors are important to consider before setting expectations for each child. These resources will help parents set expectations:

• Device Contracts and Media Agreements from Common Sense Media (translations available)
• Family Tech Planners from Common Sense Media 
• Family Media Plan from the American Academy of Pediatrics
• The Smart Talk from Lifelock

Get advice to common questions:

• Ask the Mediatrician from the Center on Media and Child Health
• Parent Concerns from Common Sense Media

Be sure apps, games, and other media are age-appropriate. FCPS provides support for choosing digital apps, games, and services wisely.

FCPS encourages parents to use parental controls and a gradual release of responsibility. This gives children time to learn safe, responsible and balanced use of technology. Parental controls can be decreased over time as your child:

• Grows in their maturity.
• Gains the skills to navigate the online space safely.
• Demonstrates balanced, respectful, and responsible use.

Preparing students for unmonitored use is always a goal. As children get older, they may not always be under the care and supervision of an adult.

FCPS recommends that parents:

• Explain the parental controls that are in place and why.
• Explain what they expect of their child.
• Explain what will happen if the rules are broken.
• Be transparent, consistent, and predictable.

FCPS also recommends that parents:

• Revisit and revise the expectations and controls regularly
• Gradually provide more options as their child demonstrates readiness

Learn More About Parental Controls

FCPS content filters are applied to all FCPS devices. Parents and families who would like to limit access to individual websites at home should consult with their internet service providers to learn about content filter features on their home/personal networks. 

The websites below can be used to learn more about the parental controls offered by the products and services used by your family:

• Comcast/Xfinity
• Cox Communications Parental Controls
• Verizon Smart Family^TM
• Verizon Home Router Parental Controls
• Amazon Kids+
• Apple Families
• Google Families and Google's Family Link - FCPS G Suite accounts can be added to Family Link, however, FCPS cannot provide support for Family Link. For more information, go to the Google Support Site.
• Microsoft Family Group (Windows 10, Xbox One devices, and Android devices running Microsoft Launcher)
• Gaming Systems Parental Controls 

Using technology with your children provides opportunities to:

• Talk about content and help your children understand and interpret what they experience.
• Share and discuss your own experiences.
• Model and promote safe, respectful, and healthy practices.
• Enjoy time together.