Netiquettes for your child
How parents and caregivers can raise kind digital citizens
These days, children spend more time online than ever. Whether it’s sharing a funny meme, chatting with friends, or doing school research, the internet is their new playground. But unlike real playgrounds, there are no fences or safety signs to guide them.
As much as the online world offers opportunities, it also comes with risks. Cyberbullying, misinformation, oversharing, and harmful content can make the digital world a confusing and overwhelming experience.
So, how can you help your child stay safe and kind online? By acquainting yourself and your child with the fundamentals of netiquette.
What is netiquette, and why does it matter?
Netiquette, short for ‘internet etiquette’, means treating others online with the same respect and kindness you would show them in person. Your child can’t always read facial expressions or hear someone’s tone when chatting online; this can lead to misunderstandings or hurtful behaviour.
A 2024 study by ChildSafeNet and UNICEF found that one in four children in South Asia spends over 10 hours online daily.
The pace and breadth of today’s technology may feel overwhelming for parents who didn’t grow up with it but, be reassured, it’s less about being a tech expert, and more about being present, building trust, and having open conversations with your child.
Teaching children about netiquette helps them to:
- Build empathy: Understanding how their words and actions can affect others.
- Set boundaries: Knowing how to interact safely and respectfully.
- Prevent harm: Reducing the chance of getting involved in risky or harmful behaviour.
- Protect their future: Thinking before posting, to keep their online reputation safe.
- Grow independence: Feeling confident to make smart choices online.
Start the conversation
Here are some simple ways to discuss netiquette and online safety with your child:
- Talk about privacy: Explain what’s okay to share online and what should remain private, such as their full name, address, or school. Explore privacy settings together and demonstrate how to respect others’ privacy as well.
- Teach empathy: Remind them that there’s a real person behind every screen. Encourage them to pause and consider how their words might affect someone’s feelings.
- Think before posting: Help them recognise that not everything they see or share online is true or safe.
- Explain the long-term impact: Remind them that what they post can endure online and may be shared without their consent.
- Create strong passwords: Demonstrate how to formulate strong passwords and explain why they should not be shared, even with trusted friends.
More advice on how to start the conversation about online safety
Make it part of daily life
Netiquette isn’t just a one-off conversation - it’s something to incorporate into everyday life.
- Help your child strike a healthy balance between screen time and real-life activities. Create tech-free zones, such as mealtimes or bedtime, encourage outdoor play, and discuss how they feel after using the internet. Learn more with 3 ways to help teens manage screen time
- Keep the conversation going with regular check-ins, using questions like:
- What apps are you using at the moment?
- Have you come across anything online that made you feel uncomfortable or upset?
- What’s the most interesting thing you learned online this week?
- Join in your child’s online activities, such as games, videos, or apps. By exploring together, you’ll be better placed to offer guidance and support.
Use the right tools
There are plenty of tools to help you support your child use the internet safely:
- Parental controls: Most apps and devices let you set screen time limits, block unsuitable content, and manage privacy settings.
- Antivirus software: Keeps your devices safe from malware and harmful downloads.
- Privacy settings: Teach your child how to control who can see their posts and who can contact them. Get your online privacy checklist here
- Child-friendly platforms: Choose apps and websites designed for children, with built-in safety features.
- Safe setup checklists: Before giving your child a new device, take time to adjust privacy settings, set up filters, and turn off location sharing.
More about how to set up your child’s device before you give it to them
Lead by example
Your child will often learn by observing the actions of trusted adults, so it's important to be a positive digital role model. Here are some friendly reminders to keep in mind:
- Mind your own screen time
- Spread kindness in your online interactions
- Always respect the privacy of those around you.
Remember, the online world is evolving. New apps, trends, and challenges arise daily. Staying curious and open-minded helps you support your child as they navigate their digital environment.
Let’s raise a kinder, safer digital world
At the end of the day, netiquette isn’t just about technology - it’s about nurturing thoughtful, caring individuals. Just like we teach our children to be kind in everyday life, netiquette encourages them to extend that same kindness and empathy to the online world.
So let’s keep chatting, keep listening, and help your child grow into a kind, responsible digital citizen. Even if screens separate us physically, kindness and empathy will always connect us.
