- posted: Dec. 15, 2025
- Family Law
From a very early age, most American children interact with digital devices such as smartphones and tablets. As they get older, this type of technology can be central to their schoolwork, social life and entertainment. Parents take various approaches as to how their sons and daughters use these machines. If they live apart due to divorce or another reason, parents should seriously consider including terms relating to digital activity in their child custody arrangements.
By agreeing to a framework regarding the use of electronics and social media, parents can establish consistency, reduce conflict and support healthy development across both homes. Some specific provisions recommended by experts might include the following:
Screen-time limits — To avoid a situation where one parent becomes the hero while the other is the villain when it comes to device use, set uniform daily or weekly limits (with exceptions for homework), screen-free times (before school, during meals, one hour before bedtime), and bedroom rules (no devices overnight, all chargers in common areas). You might choose to allow flexibility for travel and special occasions.
Age-appropriate steps — Technology rules should a adjust as a child grows older. Your parenting plan could create a timeline that covers when a son or daughter can watch videos on a parent’s device, get a smartphone and establish individual social media profiles. Privileges could be expanded with good behavior and school performance.
Payment for devices and subscriptions — Sophisticated gaming systems and the latest equipment can be expensive. Parents should allocate payment responsibility for major expenditures and ongoing subscriptions. If you’re considering a high-cost item as a gift, you and your ex might want to split the cost and say it’s from both of you.
Monitoring content and activity — As games have ratings describing content, this system might form the basis of an agreement as to what a youth is allowed to play at a given age. When new products or social media platforms emerge, a child custody plan can mandate that both parents consent before granting access to their son or daughter. Other potential measures could address parental controls, frequency of device checks and use of location services.
Well-crafted digital media provisions align expectations, minimize friction and prioritize the child’s best interests. Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law in Toms River can help tailor enforceable, developmentally appropriate standards that fit your family’s needs. For an appointment, please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. New clients can receive a free consultation.
- posted: Dec. 15, 2025
- Family Law
From a very early age, most American children interact with digital devices such as smartphones and tablets. As they get older, this type of technology can be central to their schoolwork, social life and entertainment. Parents take various approaches as to how their sons and daughters use these machines. If they live apart due to divorce or another reason, parents should seriously consider including terms relating to digital activity in their child custody arrangements.
By agreeing to a framework regarding the use of electronics and social media, parents can establish consistency, reduce conflict and support healthy development across both homes. Some specific provisions recommended by experts might include the following:
Screen-time limits — To avoid a situation where one parent becomes the hero while the other is the villain when it comes to device use, set uniform daily or weekly limits (with exceptions for homework), screen-free times (before school, during meals, one hour before bedtime), and bedroom rules (no devices overnight, all chargers in common areas). You might choose to allow flexibility for travel and special occasions.
Age-appropriate steps — Technology rules should a adjust as a child grows older. Your parenting plan could create a timeline that covers when a son or daughter can watch videos on a parent’s device, get a smartphone and establish individual social media profiles. Privileges could be expanded with good behavior and school performance.
Payment for devices and subscriptions — Sophisticated gaming systems and the latest equipment can be expensive. Parents should allocate payment responsibility for major expenditures and ongoing subscriptions. If you’re considering a high-cost item as a gift, you and your ex might want to split the cost and say it’s from both of you.
Monitoring content and activity — As games have ratings describing content, this system might form the basis of an agreement as to what a youth is allowed to play at a given age. When new products or social media platforms emerge, a child custody plan can mandate that both parents consent before granting access to their son or daughter. Other potential measures could address parental controls, frequency of device checks and use of location services.
Well-crafted digital media provisions align expectations, minimize friction and prioritize the child’s best interests. Rehrer & Rehrer Attorneys at Law in Toms River can help tailor enforceable, developmentally appropriate standards that fit your family’s needs. For an appointment, please call 732-279-0044 or contact us online. New clients can receive a free consultation.
