Netiquette Guidelines Manners Online Are Important!
What’s the Big Deal About Netiquette? Netiquette, or online manners, is important! Netiquette just means “good behavior” when using the internet. We all enjoy internet use more when e-mail and text messages do not include actions which irritate, harass or expose us to viruses.
The Golden Rule Online, as well as in real life, please treat others as you would like to be treated yourself! This leads to a happy online experience at both ends.
Forwarding E-mails When you receive an e-mail which says to send it to everyone,….please don’t. Do not forward jokes, chain letters, or unimportant e-mails without the receiver’s permission. Do not forward virus warnings. They are generally hoaxes and some are actually virus carriers. Forwarded e-mails are often unwelcome. They clog inboxes and may expose others to viruses.
ALL CAPS, etc. Do not send messages in ALL CAPS. This is like shouting at someone online. Do not leave the subject line blank in e-mails. People want to know what it’s about. Ask before you send huge attachments.
Respect Other People’s Privacy Never forward other people’s e-mails without their permission. However, when sending your own e-mails, do not assume that something sent on the internet is private. You can not control what other people do with your e-mail.
Always Proofread first Check and correct all e-mails before you click send. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes online. Keep your e-mails short and to the point.
Nasty E-mails When you receive a nasty text or e-mail Do Not Respond. Doing so may just escalate the situation. If this continues block the person and tell a trusted adult about the problem.
In Conclusion Think before you text or e-mail! Does this e-mail consider the recipient’s wishes and feelings? Does it respect their privacy and time? Is this e-mail something I want kept private? Could this e-mail be the carrier of a virus?
Always Follow Netiquette Guidelines For more information on Netiquette check out the following websites. http://www.bpl.org/kids/Netiquette.htm http://www.kidsdomain.com/brain/computer/surfing/netiquette_kids.html http://www.tcet.unt.edu/START/instruct/general/netiquette.htm