“Portable listening [on your Walkman] is rude only when when it causes accidents or the snubbing of people with legitimate claims on the absorbed person’s attention.” — Miss Manners, 1990
No doubt Miss Manners could never have imagined the fragmented, distracted digital life we all live today. With everyone from grown-ups to toddlers now using digital devices, we could all use an etiquette lesson, but here’s a few tips on how to teach your kids digital etiquette.
Create a no-phone zone
Even with a headset, phones can be annoying to innocent passersby. There’s the too-loud talking, blinking lights from games, or just absorbed texting that makes it easy to ignore an irritated waiter or person trying to walk past. I tell my kids in advance that movie theaters, performance halls, and any other places where you can disturb someone else are “no-phone zones.” Admittedly, lots of adults don’t get this right, but you can help by setting the standard.
Think before you hit “send”
Just because you can write and send anything you like doesn’t mean you should. Emails can be forwarded and reposted, or easily sent to the wrong recipient, potentially embarrassing the sender and the person they’re writing about (or, as in the case of a White House mess-up this year, it can even be dangerous). I ask my kids, “Would you want your parents to see this email or text?” That’s often enough to get them to stop and think. After all, you can’t delete the Internet.
Teach digital self-defense
I remind my kids that whenever they create an ID or profile for a social site, they need to protect their identities. In other words, don’t give too much of themselves away, and that includes nicknames, where they live and where they go to school. Also, I teach them the importance of having strong passwords that will keep the bad guys out.
Know what belongs offline
Emoticons don’t always get the message across, and sarcasm can easily be misread. When it comes to emotional conversations, I explain to my kids that they’re better had in person. Talking gives everyone the chance to explain what they mean in real time, without a painful wait for a response…or emails and texts that can’t be taken back.
You can see a fun little video I made on this very topic on uLive, here!
Do you have digital etiquette pet peeves? Let me know in the comments!
