Five Ways To Raise Kind and Respectful Children Online

While it’s common to have different opinions, there’s never a need to be disrespectful or insulting. If your child would like to comment, the focus should be on the argument and not the person. Let them know that it is all right to agree to disagree, but use “Stop-Think-Do” to guide their response:

• Stop: Stop what you are about to do.
• Think: Consider the choices and the consequences of each choice.
• Do: Choose the most responsible choice. If necessary, ask a trusted adult for advice.

You may start with:

"What would you say online if someone disagreed with you?”
“How could you express your opinion without hurting anyone?"

Sharing online comes with responsibility. Encourage them to use T.H.I.N.K to check if what they are sharing is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. If any answer is ‘No’, it’s better not to share.  Take it further by verifying the content using S.U.R.E, (source, understand, research and evaluate), developed by National Library Board. Guide your child to always be S.U.R.E before they share!

You may start with:

" Could this post hurt or help someone else?” 
“Is it the right thing to share?”

The content your child sees online may belong to someone else. Encourage your child to respect the intellectual property rights of others by crediting the creator before using someone else’s content. Avoid stealing or damaging digital work, identity, or property.

You may start with:

“If you created this, how would you feel if someone else used it without asking?"

Your child can play their part and stand up against online negativity and cyberbullying. Start by reporting hateful comments, or tactfully call out the negative behaviour and suggest positive alternatives. This cultivates empathy and courage.

You may start with:

"What could you do if you saw someone being bullied online?” 
“How would standing up for them make a difference?"

What you do matters far more than what you say. By being respectful and positive online yourself, you show your child that they, too, can make a meaningful and positive impact in the digital world.