Kids approach online communication with curiosity and a sense of experimentation.
This can sometimes lead to confusion or hurt feelings. Here are some tips to help kids send messages in a friendly, respectful way and communicate online with empathy and clarity.
1. Think Before You Send
Reread your message before sending it. Ask yourself: Does it make sense? Could it be misunderstood?
2. Be Mindful of Tone
Avoid using irony or sarcasm without context, as it can easily be misinterpreted when the recipient can’t see your facial expressions or hear your tone.
Consider using emojis to clarify your intentions, especially when joking—but remember, not all emojis translate the same way for everyone.
If you or a friend become upset over a misunderstanding, resolve it with a phone call. Hearing each other’s voices can help clarify intentions.
3. Handle Misunderstandings Gracefully
If you or a friend become upset over a misunderstanding, resolve it with a phone call. Hearing each other’s voices can help clarify intentions.
Understand that a simple message can be interpreted differently depending on the recipient’s mood or assumptions about your tone. Avoid jumping to conclusions.
4. Avoid Text Arguments
Steer clear of fighting over texts. It's easy to write harsh things you might later regret, and written words can remain as a painful reminder of an argument.
5. Stay Positive
Keep your online communication friendly and supportive. Avoid leaving negative comments or critiques.
Think about how your words might make the recipient feel before sending them.
It’s okay not to respond to texts immediately, especially late at night. Respect others’ timing and expect the same in return.
6. Mind Your Texting Habits
Writing in ALL CAPS can come across as shouting and may seem rude.
It’s okay not to respond to texts immediately, especially late at night. Respect others’ timing and expect the same in return. If needed, let them know you’ll respond later.
Avoid sending multiple follow-up messages or making repeated calls if someone hasn’t replied yet. Patience is key.
7. Respect Boundaries with Messaging
Don’t send prank or spam voice messages or recordings. Use voicemail and voice notes thoughtfully and with purpose.
Respect if someone asks you not to call or write them, especially someone that you don’t know.
8. Be Kind When Ending a Conversation
If you're done chatting, close the conversation politely by saying something like, "I need to go now, but let’s talk later!" This prevents the other person from feeling ignored.
9. Respect Privacy
Be cautious about sharing screenshots or forwarding messages from others without their consent. Even harmless messages could cause embarrassment or conflict if shared inappropriately.
10. Be Mindful of Group Chats
Avoid overloading group chats with excessive messages or off-topic posts.
Keep group discussions relevant and respectful. Avoid creating group chats intended to gossip about or exclude someone.
