Netiquette

What is it?

Internet etiquette, AKA netiquette, is a set of widely accepted rules of behavior to follow when you're online.

Why is it important for kids to know?

The online world can feel pretend to a child because of its seemingly anonymous nature. They may feel like breaking rules and being rude isn’t dangerous online. It’s important for parents to reinforce that the basic values of truthfulness, responsibility and respect in the real world are the same in the online world.

Top netiquette tips

A new Internet user, or a newbie, shouldn’t venture into cyberspace until they know the Internet’s code of conduct. These tips should help you fit in online.

1. You’re talking and interacting with real people

Do unto others, as you'd have others do unto you. Be polite and courteous at all times — remembering that you're not communicating with a computer screen, but a human being who has thoughts and feelings.

2. The meaning behind written messages is harder to interpret than face-to-face conversation

When you’re speaking face-to-face, people use the tone of your voice and your body language to understand your meaning. This is lost in text, and sometimes responses can come across as mean or rude, without you meaning to. This is the reason emoticons (visual clues like smiley faces or winking faces) are popular in text conversations — they save a lot of confusion!

3. Behave online like you would in real life

Cyberspace may seem like a completely different world, but the laws and standards of ethics of the real world still apply. Breaking a law online is just as serious as breaking it offline.

Gossiping, forwarding crude jokes, swearing and plagiarizing are not good behaviour in the real world and are just as wrong online.

4. Respect other people's online rights

People on the Internet have the same rights as they do in everyday life. If someone sends you an e-mail which threatens you or makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to a trusted adult right away.

5. If someone insults you, be calm

When someone makes you angry online, stay calm and either ignore the message or send a polite message back asking for an explanation of what they meant. Maybe it was a misunderstanding! If what they’ve said threatens you or makes you feel uncomfortable, do not respond to the message and talk to a trusted adult right away.

6. Respect the privacy of other people

Secrets people tell you should be kept secret. This includes passwords, full names, addresses or interests. Sharing your own password, even with friends, is never a good idea. Passwords and personal information are private, and are never safe to share.

7. Be responsible online

You’re in control when you use the computer, so never use the Internet to harm other people by:

• Taking things which are not yours like files, photographs, passwords or credit card numbers
• Spreading rumors about other people online
• Purposely infecting other computers with viruses

8. Help others learn more about the Internet

When you first started surfing the Internet, you probably needed help learning the ropes. With the Internet growing quickly, other kids, your parents or teachers may need help keeping up. Help them if you can by politely pointing out mistakes in private, and showing them ways they can surf the Internet better.