From psychology.com
Signe Whitson L.S.W. Passive Aggressive Diaries
Teaching Netiquette to Kids
In an age of Cyberbullying, is there a "right" age
for kids to use social media?
Posted Oct 03, 2012
What is the “right” age for youngsters to begin texting and
using social media? As the Mom of two elementary school-aged daughters and an
educator on girl bullying(link is external), I
field this question from parents all
of the time. Truly, there is great debate on the subject among professionals,
along with a whole lot of hand-wringing by parents. As adults, we are
all-too-aware of dangers online--both from anonymous predators and familiar
“frenemies” who use the internet as a weapon. Indeed, social media sites are
ripe for cyberbullying, when kids (and adults!) feel liberated to post cruel
messages and taunts online without the discomfort of having to say them to a
peer’s face.
As with most aspects of child-rearing, there isn’t a simple
one-age-fits-all guideline for starting to use social media or texting. From
“safety” and “convenience” to the ever-urgent “all the other kids have them”
rationales, ultimately, each family will make their own decision about what is
“right” for their kids. In this day and age, almost every child will be exposed
to technology sooner rather than later.
So, while I do not offer black and white answers to parents
as far as “right ages,” what I do offer are suggestions for teaching kids how to
use technology in ways that reflect family values and respect the dignity of
their peers. Here is an example of five “Stop and Think” rules I offer to
parents as they are first teaching their kids about netiquette:
1. Choose Your Words Carefully
If you wouldn’t say something to a person’s face, don’t send
it via text or the internet. Technology makes it too easy to say things that
are impulsive or
unkind. Also, the person reading your message can’t see your expressions or
hear your tone of voice. Sarcasm and humor often
get lost in translation on the ‘net, so avoid their use. Type carefully as
well; avoid using ALL CAPS since they make it look like you are angry or
YELLING.
2. The Internet is Not a Weapon
Don’t gossip about
other people while you are online. Your words can be misinterpreted,
manipulated, and forwarded without your permission. Plus, it’s not fair to talk
about people when they can’t defend themselves. Likewise, social media sites should
never be used to strategically exclude peers who are “on the outs” of a peer
group or to “de-friend” a person after a fight.
3. Who is this Message For?
What happens in cyberspace stays in cyberspace—forever!
Though you may think you are sending your private message or photo to a single
recipient, keep in mind that it can be cut, pasted, and forwarded to an
infinite number of people. Never post a photo or message that you wouldn’t want
“everyone” to be able to view.
4. WWMT?
Be kind and do not ever use email to say ugly, nasty, or
mean things about anyone or to anyone. ANYONE. Ever! Stop and ask yourself,
“What would Mom (or Dad...feel free to adjust the letters!) think if she read
this?” Post accordingly!
5. Take it Slow
In this immediate world of instant messaging and constant
contact, you may be tempted to say whatever comes to your mind in a given
moment. Don’t do it! Slow down and think before you post whatever thought,
comeback, or reaction is on your mind--especially if you are feeling an intense
emotion like anger or
sadness. Wait until you have had a chance to think things through and cool your
head before you post a message that can’t be taken back.
I also always recommend to parents that from the get-go, they
establish a ground rule that they know their child’s passwords and can access
and review their child’s online activity and texts on a regular (read: daily,
if necessary!) basis. Yes, older kids will always learn new ways to thwart
“intrusions” on their privacy, but YES, it is always a parent’s role to establish
values, standards, limits, and accountability.
Which brings me to my last piece of counsel for parents: it
is important to hold kids accountable for their netiquette and to remind them
that their use of technology and social media is a privilege. Parents
should make it clear that this privilege can be restricted or revoked at any
time, in any way, if the established rules are violated.
No matter how tech-savvy my own children become, I am constantly
aware that they are young and that it is up to me to monitor their actions
online in the same consistent, diligent way that I ensured their well-being on
a playground not so long ago. “I am doing this because I love you,”
I remind my daughters. “OMG!” I can hear them think.
Signe Whitson is a national educator on bullying and
author of Friendship & Other Weapons: Group
Activities to Help Young Girls Cope with Bullying(link is external).
For more ideas on establishing technology contracts with kids, please visit her Blog(link is external).
For workshop inquiries, please visit www.signewhitson.com(link is external).
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