Children nowadays are so digitally inclined. They can easily learn the how-to’s in navigating a relatively complex gadget down to plugging a desktop charger by just observing. There are even times when children are more knowledgeable about technology and related things than their seniors. And with this, it’s just common to see tech-savvy kids who are active with online interactions in social media.
Since they’re but kids, you can’t expect them to act mature on how they conduct themselves online. Some of them tend to be so aggressive and mean-spirited by making inappropriate comments to others, which others cannot tolerate notwithstanding the age of the perpetrator. As parents, it is our responsibility to lead by example and teach them the right attitude towards social media and technology in general. And here are the four basic digital etiquette rules that they should learn and live by as they grow up:
1. Teach them the value of respect. Respect begets respect, and this is what they must apply in their daily lives whether in person or in front of their smartphone screens. Just because they can’t see the other party’s reaction to the things that they post online doesn’t mean that they can say whatever they want. Words spoken online or in person have the power to hurt people.
2. Show them how to be trustworthy. Anything can be said online. Even rumors that are completely baseless can spread and make gullible readers regard that information as gospel truth. You have to teach your kids the significance of keeping a reputable image online. They should not take part in sharing anything that can destroy a person nor instigate the unjustifiable claim. Tell them not to say anything online that they wouldn’t say to someone else’s face.
3. Educate them to distance themselves from bad things. Engaging to nasty, negative comments can’t get you anywhere; stooping to their level would only make you look as bad as they are. This is what your children must remember. Encourage them to take the high road and do the appropriate measures when dealt with this kind of situation.
4. Tell them the importance of privacy. The social media can be a transparent window to your every thought. Whatever you say into the open stays. Tell your kids that everything is not meant to be shared. Moreover, confidential information, if accessed by ominous people can pose a security threat to your children and the family as a whole.
It’s absolutely imperative to start netiquette (technology-related etiquette) education to your children as early as possible. Remember, values formation starts in their premature years, and a distorted outlook in life gets harder and harder to straighten up as one gets older.
Since they’re but kids, you can’t expect them to act mature on how they conduct themselves online. Some of them tend to be so aggressive and mean-spirited by making inappropriate comments to others, which others cannot tolerate notwithstanding the age of the perpetrator. As parents, it is our responsibility to lead by example and teach them the right attitude towards social media and technology in general. And here are the four basic digital etiquette rules that they should learn and live by as they grow up:
1. Teach them the value of respect. Respect begets respect, and this is what they must apply in their daily lives whether in person or in front of their smartphone screens. Just because they can’t see the other party’s reaction to the things that they post online doesn’t mean that they can say whatever they want. Words spoken online or in person have the power to hurt people.
2. Show them how to be trustworthy. Anything can be said online. Even rumors that are completely baseless can spread and make gullible readers regard that information as gospel truth. You have to teach your kids the significance of keeping a reputable image online. They should not take part in sharing anything that can destroy a person nor instigate the unjustifiable claim. Tell them not to say anything online that they wouldn’t say to someone else’s face.
3. Educate them to distance themselves from bad things. Engaging to nasty, negative comments can’t get you anywhere; stooping to their level would only make you look as bad as they are. This is what your children must remember. Encourage them to take the high road and do the appropriate measures when dealt with this kind of situation.
4. Tell them the importance of privacy. The social media can be a transparent window to your every thought. Whatever you say into the open stays. Tell your kids that everything is not meant to be shared. Moreover, confidential information, if accessed by ominous people can pose a security threat to your children and the family as a whole.
It’s absolutely imperative to start netiquette (technology-related etiquette) education to your children as early as possible. Remember, values formation starts in their premature years, and a distorted outlook in life gets harder and harder to straighten up as one gets older.
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