| Using the Net | |
Netiquette for all ages
 Never forward a message from someone unless you have that person's permission.
Don't use all caps, especially in a chat room (it's considered rude and can result in someone tracking you and harassing you).
Don't use language you wouldn't speak.
Don't use terminology or icons unless you know what they mean.
In some schools, there's status in being able to say, ''I have 200 people on my buddy list.'' Many of them are friends of friends who a student doesn't know. Children most likely to go to chat rooms or bulletin boards tend to feel lonely or left out of friendship groups; are home alone after school; or have computers in their bedrooms and can use them late at night. Negotiate IM rules. Only after homework is done? Between subjects? Ten minutes at a time? An hour total? Does your 13-year-old shut down his screen when you walk into the room? That doesn't mean he's on a site you wouldn't like; he could just be asserting his independence. But it's worth asking: Why didn't you want me to see that? If your child is the victim of cyberbullying or any unwanted material, don't delete it. Contact the school or the police. I-safe.org and cyberangels.org are also good resources. By now, most parents know basic IM abbreviations, like LOL (laugh out loud) or JK (just kidding). Here are some updates: PAW — parents are watching. KOTL — kiss on the lips. NIFOC — naked in front of the computer. OLL — online love. ASL — age/sex/location, usually used as a question. WUF — where are you from. |
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