Netiquette means the importance of proper manners, rules, and behavior online. In general, the set of professional and social etiquette practiced online is Netiquette.
The Internet has become an integral part of our life. We always communicate with others online on a daily basis. So, netiquette is a very important topic. We must keep in mind manners when using the Internet.
Like in real life, we also want people to treat us in a respectful and polite manner online. If there are no rules and manners while going online, it would be a disaster.
We should teach our children to be polite from their early childhood. The new generation is generally more technical than parents. Kids today use the internet from an early age. So, netiquette rules help kids to become polite and responsible Internet users.
13 Netiquette Rules for Kids:
1. Treat Others Like You Want to be Treated:
If we say something, we can’t take it back. We need to teach our kids to stop and think before they speak. If they would like someone to say that same thing to them. The words may hurt others even if it is online.
Thus, if you are angry, stopping the conversation for that time is the best thing to do. When angry, people say terrible, emotional things which can hurt other people. So, to avoid regretting later, stop at the very time.
2. Respect Other People’s Online Rights:
People have rights on the Internet as in their daily life. It annoys you when someone makes a prank call to you or sends you a fake threatening message. The same is true on the Internet. Someone can send you a message or call that makes you feel uncomfortable. If this is the case, talk to your parents or elders who can handle the situation.
3. Never to Take Part in Cyberbullying:
Nowadays, the case of Cyberbullying is rising. Bullying through the Internet or online is Cyberbullying. Children think no one is watching and this encourages them to bully others.
We should teach our kids to stand against those cyberbullies. And teach them never to take part in such behaviors. Cyberbullying can cause mental pressure on your child which is very dangerous.
4. Be Careful with Your Tone:
While online conversation, people don’t always get how you are trying to say the thing you want to say. There may be many misunderstandings. If you use all-caps while saying ‘WHAT’, this may show you as if you are YELLING. And, if you say ‘what’, it shows as you are asking them in a normal way.
So, the tones you use differ very much.
Apart from texting, we should also teach our kids to watch over his/her tone. During online classes, they use audio or video forms. So, his/her tone makes a difference.
5. Never Reveal Your Personal Information:
The internet is full of frauds and predators. They try to lure kids into providing personal information. Such as full name, address, phone no., etc. Identity theft is one of the most negative things on the Internet.
So, we must teach our kids never to reveal personal details to anyone on the internet.
6. Never to Share Negative Content:
The Internet is a very big place. You can find everything here from the best things to the worst things. We should teach our children to share content very carefully. Once shared, it is like a wildfire. From one to another, the content becomes public.
There are many cases where shared content has damaged someone’s life. You should teach your child to check the things that they are going to share and to whom they are going to share. If the content falls into bad hands, it may cost you emotionally in some cases and can be financially too.
7. Be Accurate Before You Speak:
The Internet is full of information and data. It is important to fact-check the things you read or learn online. Not everything is real on the Internet. They may be fake news, which is trying to lure people for their information.
So, before you speak or share with someone about the topic, research the topic first. You should include the sources when giving advice or information to others.
8. First Search, then Ask:
If you get stuck in some assignments or work, search the problem online first on the Internet. There are many reliable solutions there. You shouldn’t ask the questions without searching.
For example, If you are a student. And if you ask each and everything to your teacher without searching, he/she might get annoyed with you. So, first, search for the solutions, and even after that you can’t find the solution, you can ask your teacher.
9. Protect Your Own Privacy and Keep the Privacy of Others:
Teaching your children to protect their privacy is very important. We should teach them to change their personal privacy settings. And, never to reveal their password to others.
Children should also learn to respect the privacy of other users. If a friend shares something that is personal or a secret, they should learn to keep it a secret. Revealing it is the worst he can do to a friend who trusted him/her.
10. Do not Steal Content Online:
The Internet is full of illegal software and programs. It offers you to download movies, songs, photos, and other content without paying for it. The children are tempted to use these apps or software and try to download content for free.
But, this is illegal. This qualifies as violating copyright and can cause serious problems with the law. You should teach your kid about the risks and avoid the consequences in the future.
11. Avoid Insulting Others:
When angry, people try to punish others. They either send nasty messages or images. If you insult someone like this, they will get angry and insult you too.
So, instead of starting a flame war, avoid insulting other people and enjoy the Internet.
12. Be Calm:
If someone insults you, ignore them. Instead of being angry and sending nasty messages to him/her, be calm. Starting a discussion on the Internet can result in a bad way. Try to send a polite message to him/her, it also might be some misunderstanding.
13. Using Proper Grammar and Punctuation:
While writing, people tend to forget the rules. Yet, proper grammar and punctuation are very important while online communicating. Not only, it makes your content readable, but it also makes you look like a professional.
The contents should always be simple and easy to understand. This will save others’ precious time.
14. Help Other People Learn More About the Net:
It’s challenging to keep up with the rapid expansion of the Internet. Everyone is a noobie once. Most of the things we know are taught to us by someone else. So, you may assist your parents or others who are not familiar with the use of the Internet.
Don’t feel irritated when someone asks you to teach them something that they don’t know.
Conclusion:
Netiquette rules are important as real-life communication with others. There are other people who are using the Internet for all online communications. Hence, it is important to behave and write properly to everyone.
The way you connect with others might reveal your attitude and character. People judge your personality by seeing the pieces of information that you shared.
Every sector requires discipline. We have a responsibility to make sure that along with us, others can also enjoy the Internet services. We should talk to our friends about it and make a pledge to follow Netiquette rules.
