Manners guides
Screen and device manners
Simple, fair device habits for the whole family: at the table, with friends and at bedtime.
Ages 5 to 12
Screen manners start as soon as kids use a tablet or phone, often from 5 or 6. The basics are simple: no screens at the table, ask before taking photos, and devices go to bed outside the bedroom.
Try this week with your kids
Noki suggests a first week of quests and rewards for your kids. You change what you like before you start.
Why it matters
Clear screen manners protect family time, friendships and sleep. They work best when adults follow the same rules.
What to expect by age
- Ages 5 to 6
- Stop when the timer ends.
- Ask before using someone else's device.
- Ages 7 to 8
- No screens at the table.
- Use headphones in shared spaces.
- Ages 9 to 10
- Ask before taking or sharing photos of others.
- Put the device away when someone talks to them.
- Ages 11 to 12
- Kind messages only.
- Devices charge outside the bedroom at night.
Ways to practice
- Write 3 family screen rules together and stick them on the fridge.
- Use a family charging spot outside bedrooms.
- Pause your own device when your child talks to you.
Common mistakes
Rules for kids that adults ignore.
Try instead: Make the rules family rules.
Turning screens off without warning.
Try instead: Give a 5-minute warning and let them finish a level or episode.
