Computer Etiquette for Kids

Kids should learn good etiquette in as many areas as possible. When they learn manners at a young age, this will carry through into their later years. One important area of etiquette is computer use. Most youngsters enjoy using computers to study, play games and communicate with their peers. There are certain rules of behavior for computer use just like for anything else. Kids should be familiar with them and follow them as closely as possible.

Considerations

The Kaboose family Website says that kids often forget there is another person behind the computer screen when they are corresponding via email or instant messaging (IM). This can lead to saying hurtful things, and in extreme cases, it can progress to cyberbullying. Online etiquette for kids means using the same care that they would when communicating with someone in person and using the same manners.

Written Correspondence

Kids should use good etiquette when writing email messages or posting to online discussion groups. This means never typing with all capital letters, which Kaboodle says is the equivalent of shouting. They should avoid using fancy email stationary or hard-to-read fonts. Education.com says that messages should be as easy for others to read as possible.

Kids should also remember that others can easily misinterpret the feelings behind the written word. Using an emoticon can help clarify their tone. They should also avoid using bad language. A good rule of thumb is to never say anything online that they wouldn't say in person.

Security

Your kids should give you the passwords for their email accounts and the Websites they frequent. Warn them never to give out their passwords to anyone else. They should also be wary of downloading anything from an unknown Website. If they're not sure whether a site is safe, they should consult you first. They should never give out personal information online or fill out forms that ask for things like their address and phone number.

Patience

Although most kids are computer savvy, there will always be newcomers to the online world. Kaboodle says you should teach your kids to be patient with newcomers to discussion groups and interactive Websites. Just as they should be friendly to a new kid in class, they should also try to help Internet newbies to feel welcome.

Timeframe

Kids should limit the amount of time they spend on the Internet, especially if they are using a shared computer. It is not polite to monopolize the computer when others are waiting to use it. This goes for both school and home computers.

Warning

Kids can be exploited over the email by adult predators. They may be lured in by someone who misrepresents himself or who wins them over with compliments and esteem building. Even if they start to feel uncomfortable, they may feel that it would be bad manners to suddenly cut off communication. They should be taught to be cautious and to terminate any online relationship that gives them discomfort. As a parent, let them know that they can talk to you about potential problems online at any time, and warn them to never set up a meeting with someone they only know via the computer.

References

• Kaboose article
• Education.com article