Anyone who’s ever been in an online chat or messaging a friend after a long day at work knows how easy it is to type something you don’t mean. Online etiquette, or “netiquette,” is essential for teens to learn for a multitude of reasons:
1. Like in real life, we should all strive to be polite and considerate of others online. However, when chatting to people online, there is an added risk that you can feel anonymous. For teens with ASD, this risk is exaggerated. Therefore, it’s important to remind them that there are real people on the other side of the screen, and they deserve to be treated with respect.
2. They need to continue being honest and mindful of their words, just as they would in a face-to-face environment.
3. Good online etiquette also means maintaining people’s privacy, such as keeping sensitive information to themselves or avoiding anything that could potentially place someone’s reputation at risk. After all, what we wouldn’t say to someone’s face, we shouldn’t say online.
4. When your teens post, encourage them to keep their future self in mind. Many teens may be inclined to abruptly post or message and not think of the potential implications. These can vary from not being hired by future employees or messages being screenshots and circulating around the net.
By advocating these simple rules, we can ensure every teen enjoys a positive and respectful experience online.
Need support?
If you would like to explore options, the team at Socially Speaking are here for you. We are specialists in supporting people with ASD, ADHD, and other social challenges.
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