- Showing respect for others is as important online as it is offline. Regardless of who a child communicates with, respectful communication can always include politeness, kindness and an appreciation that others may not think or feel the same as you do.
- At this age, children can most easily show positive behaviour online by supporting people they care about, such as friends and family. This could be through asking permission before sharing a photo of someone else, sending a positive message to someone or doing something to help another person online.
- Just as a child belongs to groups and communities offline, they may also belong to different groups and communities online (through games, social media and apps). Being a member of an online group can bring many benefits and a child should recognise that they also have a responsibility to the well-being of others in that group.
- The adults in a child’s life play an important part in shaping their positive habits and behaviours online. Parents/carers and family can set positive examples on social media by seeking consent before posting content about others (particularly photos of their own children), showing respect when communicating with others and taking steps to keep themselves and others safe.
- Other online users may act as role models to children – a favourite vlogger, celebrity or influencer might set examples of respectful communication, positive approaches to health and well-being, helping others or overcoming adversity.
Advice:
- Take time to discuss what respectful online behaviour is with your child. Talk about examples they have seen of others online demonstrating these behaviours.
- Think carefully about your own online behaviour; what can you do to be a positive role model? Discuss as a family the things that are okay and not okay to do online e.g. is it okay to post a picture of another family member without asking? What if that picture is potentially embarrassing?
- Work with your child to explore opportunities to do good online – it could be taking part in crowdfunding activities, positive social activism or teaching others based on their own knowledge and skills.
- Most importantly, celebrate and praise when children are being positive and respectful online!