Back-to-School Homework

By the Editors of Common Sense Media

It’s back-to-school time, and we’re handing out homework for the whole family. As kids pack up their backpacks and routine returns to family life, it’s a good time to re-establish the media rules for your household. Here’s what we recommend:

Homework 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 per day!
   
   
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'll 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.
   

Homework for Parents:

1. Check our reviews before letting your kids watch a 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 content so you can choose what's right for your kids.
   
   
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. It will also 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.
   
   

Common Sense Media is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the impact of media and entertainment on kids and families.