Respectme

Online relationships are no different from relationships off-line

For some, the anonymity of being online or sending messages can take away the human element. Remember, people online are still real people and you should treat them with the same level of respect and consideration as you would if they were in the same room.

Be mindful of the fact that you are communicating differently

Without the benefit of being able to read gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice, it is easy to misinterpret what may be seen on the screen.  Codes of netiquette (how you should behave appropriately) for online activity exist for this reason: for example, don't TYPE IN CAPITALS as it could be seen as shouting. It's also worth being aware that abbreviations, such as LOL (laugh out loud), are used to shorten messages, and it would be worthwhile familarising yourself with these.

Be respectful of other people's privacy

Do not send messages, gossip, facts or photos of other people without asking them first.  You may think it's funny to do this and post it for the world to see, but they may not feel the same way.

Never give away personal information

Don't give out personal information about yourself or another person, their family or friends. This might include addresses, phone numbers or private email addresses. It is also important never to give your private passwords to anyone, including friends or other people that you trust.  They may inadvertently pass it on to other people who can then access your accounts and change information or send messages in your name.

A rule at home may be that children and young people must ask an adult before posting personal information. 

If you wouldn't say it, don't send it

People can act in a way that they wouldn't usually act when they're online, thinking that the mask of anonymity provides them with the opportunity to be someone they aren't in ‘real' life. Ask yourself - would I say this if the person was sitting in front of me? If the answer is no, don't send it.

There's a history so it can be traced

Everything you send and post online or through text message can be stored somewhere. There's no such thing as anonymity - any message you send could be saved or sent on by the recipient. Even if you give a fake e-mail account and information, you will have a unique IP address from your service provider. You can be traced through your IP address or SIM card.

What will happen if you are being cyberbullied?

Discuss what will happen if the child or young person approaches you about a bullying incident. Some children and young people fear that access to the internet or their mobile phone will be taken away, and this can make them reluctant to come forward. Be mindful of this. Go through the points in the ‘What should I do if my child is being cyberbullied?' section.

Be polite

Don't use offensive language or act in a confrontational or abusive manner - it could come back to haunt you. Everything you post online can be seen by someone and you never know who's reading it or who may copy it and send it on.