Accountability worksheet

Screen time challenge with friends

Use this worksheet to run a fair challenge with two to five people. The point is not shame or surveillance. The point is a visible rule, a simple score, and a recovery step when someone misses.

Set the challenge rules

RuleChooseWrite it down
People2 to 5 friendsParticipants: ___
Length7 days firstStart ___, end ___
TargetOne daily screen-time or app limitLimit: ___ minutes
Protected slotOne risky time windowNo-feed window: ___
RecoveryOne reset action after a missIf I miss, I do ___

Daily scorecard

ScoreMeaningWhat the group does
2Stayed under the agreed limitShare a short check mark or progress note.
1Missed once but used the reset actionCount the recovery, then repeat tomorrow.
0Missed and skipped the resetLower the target or simplify the reset action.

Keep it fair

Use one target: do not compare total phone use if one person needs their phone for work or school.

Score behavior, not identity: a missed day means the setup needs adjustment.

Allow exceptions: travel, family needs, maps, calls, banking, and urgent messages should stay practical.

Review weekly: keep the rule that helped, change the rule that caused daily overrides.

Use BreakAway when the challenge needs support

BreakAway can help participants set app limits, block distracting apps, use mindful unlocks, share accountability signals, and run competitions. Keep the setup opt-in. A good challenge should make progress visible without making people feel watched.

FAQ

How long should the first challenge be?

Use seven days. That is long enough to test normal weekday and weekend friction without making the rules too heavy.

Should friends share screenshots?

Only if everyone agrees. A simpler check-in is often enough: score, miss reason, reset action, tomorrow's rule.

What if someone keeps losing?

Lower the target or change the protected slot. The goal is a rule that helps people recover, not a scoreboard that makes them quit.