What comes to mind when you hear the word "netiquette"? According to Britannica, “the purpose of netiquette is to help construct and maintain a pleasant, comfortable, and efficient environment for online communication, as well as to avoid placing strain on the system and generating conflict among users.” In short, the unwritten rules of online conduct are about fostering positive interactions that reflect the values we also uphold when we are offline. Just as in the offline world, when we are online, we are part of a society – we are digital citizens, and it is our responsibility to behave respectfully and safely. What should your children know to master the art of netiquette?
1. Be kind: Encourage your child to treat others online as they would in person. Words can leave a lasting impact, and a little kindness goes a long way. Before hitting "send," your children should ask themselves: "Would I say this to anyone face-to-face?" You should emphasize that online interactions have real-world consequences: hate speech or hurtful comments can tarnish one’s reputation and even affect future relationships or employment possibilities. On the other hand, words of support and care can work miracles for someone struggling, even if they are only said online.
2. Think before you share: What we post online can have a lasting digital footprint, and even when we share something with just a few friends, it is always possible that our posts will get to other people. As such, it is essential that we discuss with our children how to share responsibly. Teach your child to differentiate between what's appropriate to share and what's best kept private. This applies to photos and videos as well as text. You can give your child an example from your own experience, for instance, of a time when you posted something and then regretted doing so. This way, the topic will become less theoretical, you can have valuable discussions with your child and show them that you are their ally.
3. Always verify: Encourage the habit of critical thinking. Advise your child to double-check information before sharing or reposting it. Sharing hoaxes may damage your child’s present reputation as well as that of their future: it may even limit employment options. Misinformation spreads like wildfire, and being a responsible digital citizen means verifying facts and promoting accuracy.
4. Question online identities: Help your child understand that not everyone on the internet is who they claim to be. A 40-year-old man can easily pretend to be an 11-year-old girl. Encourage skepticism and empower children to value their privacy and only talk to people they truly trust.
5. Give others space: Teach your child not to overwhelm people with messages and comments, and to provide their friends with the space they need to speak their mind. Online communication is a two-way street that thrives on mutual respect and consideration.
6. Ask for consent before sharing: Instil the value of seeking permission before sharing photos or information about others. Respecting others' privacy demonstrates empathy and consideration for their feelings. Before posting pictures or discussing someone else's life online, your child should ensure they have the consent to do so.
7. Respect the privacy of others: Imagine your child logs on to a school computer, only to find that a friend who had previously used the computer hadn’t logged off their social media. What should they do? Rather than using this situation to tease their friend, your child should simply log their pal off and encourage them to be more careful in the future. Just as your child should not use their friends' social media without asking, they should not take others’ devices or go through others’ apps without asking.
8. Don’t forget about your surroundings: Being immersed in the possibilities of the online world can sometimes lead to us forgetting about reality offline. Remind your children to be considerate of their surroundings before playing music, watching a show or making a loud video/phone call in public.
9. Communicate mindfully: Mastering online communication ensures that your child's messages are respectful and well-received. Together with your children, explore the basics of good online communication – from being concise to choosing the right tone for different platforms.
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10. Know your power: Discuss the responsibility that comes with online influence – even in small circles. Teach your child to consider the impact of their words and actions on their community and encourage them to use this influence positively to inspire others through thoughtful and uplifting content.
11. Choose a neutral nickname: Guide your child in selecting a username that neither reveals their identity nor invites embarrassment later. An original nickname can protect their online presence while allowing them to express themselves creatively.
12. Embrace the offline moments: While the online world can be captivating, remind your child to unplug and pay attention to face-to-face conversations too. It is not very polite to look at your phone when someone is trying to talk to you. Teach your children to value the present moment and be attentive to those around them. You can do so through various activities, or simply by being a good role model for them.
13. Be thoughtful when commenting: How to comment according to the rules of netiquette? There are many aspects to consider. Read more about them in our article.
As you embark on the journey of teaching netiquette to your child, remember that the principles of kindness, respect and responsibility transcend the online world. By nurturing these values in your child's online interactions, you're not just shaping their digital presence – you're helping them become compassionate and mindful individuals who can thrive in any environment.
Take a short quiz with your child to see how well you both know the rules of netiquette!
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