Digital Etiquette and Responsible Social Interactions

What is Digital Etiquette?

Digital etiquette, also known as netiquette, are the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use. 

Seven Rules for Digital Etiquette

1. Context is everything. Make sure children choose a respectable screen name; however, never make it their real name. The screen name should be one that they would not be embarrassed to say out loud in front of, say, their grandmother.
2. Double-check before you hit "send." Make sure what is being sent is not rude, mean, or sarcastic and that the message could not be misinterpreted.
3. Take the high road (but don't boast about it).  Chatting, texting, and status updates are all "in-the-moment" communication. However, if there's a sense of rudeness, sign off or do not respond. Do not fire off a mean or nasty comment. If you feel the need to say something, you can always write out a response  and then  delete it before it is sent. 
4. Grammar rules.An IM to a friend does not need to be composed with correct grammar and punctuation, but anything more formal(i.e. a public online comment or a note to a teacher) should represent your best self with correct grammar. This applies to capital letters, too. Today, everyone knows that writing in all caps means that you're shouting, but children need reminding once they are using the computer and internet. 
5. Keep a secret. In regards to texts, photos, and videos; If you think something might embarrass someone, get them in trouble, compromise their privacy, or stir up drama of any kind, keep it to yourself -- and maybe delete it for good measure.
6. Don't hide. Kids should use untraceable screen names as a safety precaution.  However. children to refrain from using anonymity to cover their actions which can hurt people. Children should be contributing members of the online world and encouraged  to post productively.
7. Remember the Golden Rule. Don't say something online that you wouldn't say to someone's face.                  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/7-rules-to-teach-kids-online-etiquette

Cyber-bullying

Cyber-bullying is the use of any electronic medium to harass, threaten, intimidate or harm someone.  This method of bullying can be extremely damaging because the individual enduring the bullying cannot escape from the harassment and the bully can remain anonymous.

It is important to educate students and parents about cyberbullying; the effects of it, how to prevent it, and what to do if it occurs.  

Help Protect Children from Bullying

Bullying is often seen as an unfortunate, but natural part of adolescence. However, pediatrician Dr. Sharon Cooper warns, “Cyberbullying can affect the social, emotional, and physical health of a child.” Therefore, it is important that teachers and parents/gaurdians take steps to help children deal with and respond to cyberbullying.

• Speak with your child about cyberbullying.  Make sure that they feel comfortable coming to you with any problems that they may encounter with cyberbullying.
• Instruct your children not to respond to rude e-mails, messages, and comments.
• Save the evidence, such as e-mail and text messages, and take screenshots of comments and images. Also, take note of the date and time when the harassment occurs.
• Contact the Internet service provider (ISP) or cell phone provider. Ask the website administrator or ISP to remove any Web page created to hurt your student/ child.
• If harassment is via e-mail, social networking sites, IM, and chat rooms, instruct the child to “block” bullies or delete the child’s current account and open a new one.
• If harrassment is via text and phone messages, change the phone number and instruct your child to only share the new number with trustworthy people. Also, check out phone features that may allow the number to be blocked.
• Get your child’s school involved. Learn the school’s policy on cyberbullying and urge administrators to take a stance against all forms of bullying.
• Make a report to www.cybertipline.com, and if you feel something illegal has occurred, inform law enforcement.

Signs Your Child May Be a Victim of Cyberbullying

• Avoids the computer, cell phone, and other technological devices or appears stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message, or text
• Withdraws from family and friends or acts reluctant to attend school and social events
• Avoids conversations about computer use
• Exhibits signs of low self-esteem including depression and/or fear
• Has declining grades
• Has poor eating or sleeping habits

(http://www.netsmartz.org/Cyberbullying)

http://www.techforteachers.net/internet-safety.html

http://digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html