Free Blog about Kids and Media - Common Sense Media Blog

Back-To-School Homework

It's back to school time, and we’re handing out homework for the whole family: As kids head back to classes, and routine returns to family life, take some time to re-establish the media rules for your household. Read out guidelines -- then share your own back-to-school media rules below!

For kids:

1. No Web surfing, video games, or TV until homework is finished. Even then, make sure you set time restrictions in advance. Experts recommend no more than two hours of media time!

2. If kids are using the computer for homework, they should stay focused on homework. That means no simultaneous instant messaging, music downloading, or social networking.

3. About those phones: no texting during class. Let kids know that you will be checking their phones to make sure they aren't using them during school hours. Click here to find out more about dealing with kids and their cell phones.

For parents:

1. Check our reviews before letting your kids watch a brand new fall TV show, head out with friends to a movie, or download a new song. We'll give you an age recommendation –- and let you know about the contents so you can choose what's right for your children.

2. Keep computers and TVs out of kids' bedrooms. This makes it easier for you to monitor what and how much they're watching, and cut down on screen time. And it will make it easier for kids to stay focused on their homework.

3. Since more kids are using computers for school, make sure they know how to stay Internet safe and smart.Our free guide offers plenty of advice on dealing with everything from cyberbulling to stranger danger.

Best of luck in the new school year -- to both kids and their parents.