My kids recently were of “legal” age to join the popular social network we all know called Facebook. After getting them all signed up and ready to go….there were a few rules I wanted to be sure they learned from the start. It can be tricky….and there is a learning curve…but we wanted to give them a few guidelines to follow. Even social media deserves certain social graces….
Here is what we came up with….if you have some to add please join in the discussion and comment below.
1. Use proper grammar. “You” should be written You, not U. etc.….
2. If you are upset, angry, disappointed in someone…or something….there is no need to tell the world about it. These remarks are not helpful as a status update.
3. Think before you type. Appropriate status updates are useful and interesting to ALL your Facebook friends…not just a select few. Before you publish a status update think to yourself…is this appropriate for my mom & dad to see and my neighbors? Share things that are funny, genuine and interesting.
4. Spell check. Poor spelling appears lazy. If you have misspelled a word then delete it and re publish.
5. Pictures that you place on Facebook can be seen by everyone. Be mindful to share pictures that are appropriate for ALL to see.
6. Don’t overshare. Friends do not need to know that you finished your math homework or that you are feeding the dog. It is not very interesting. Also, don’t overshare family business. What is discussed at the dinner table every night does not need to be a status update.
7. Cheer on others. Facebook is a great way to be more involved in your family and friends lives. Being happy for others and “liking” a status is a way of cheering them on…and being a supportive friend.
8. If someone is not kind to you in school…they will probably not be very kind online. Don’t friend people online who bring you down.
9. More is not always better. Pay no attention to how many “friends” one person has over another. Numbers don’t mean anything when it comes to faithful friends.
10. Unplug. Don’t forget….the most joy comes from spending time with a friend in person…instead of on the screen ;)
Think of it like this….if you were walking into a coffee shop…and you spot an old friend. You chat a bit and see how they are doing…and wish them well. Facebook should be looked at as a similar exchange. You wouldn’t walk up to that person…and just start telling them how you can’t stand waiting in line for lunch…or that your dog won’t stop barking…or that this girl Jamie in school won’t stop passing notes in front of the teacher.
Make it a purposeful relationship….so when that friend remembers you…they are thinking about someone they admire and respect.
Just my 2 cents :)
How refreshing to see that you are teaching your children about proper online etiquette. I can’t tell you how much it drives me crazy when I see the status updates of teenagers who can’t be bothered to spell properly or to use proper grammar. It’s so sloppy and lazy. And the more they write that way, the more they start talking that way too. Good for you for setting some rules and guidelines – your kids will thank you for it later when the grow up.
Thank you :)
My daughters are well over the Facebook age (and actually getting a bit over Facebook in general at 18 and 29) – but when they joined (and I made them wait until they were of the legal age), I told them to imagine their grandmother was reading each post and also to not post something that they would not want on a billboard. They are wonderful girls so I doubt they would have posted anything bad anyway but it did make them think about how far and wide things go.
Bravo…Its great to see parents that actually teach their children these important rules! I know some adults that could use this training too…Thanks :)
Such a great list; I’ve pinned it for when my oldest turns thirteen in a few months. Thanks for sharing!
Seriously, this could just be easily be entitled “Facebook Etiquette For All.” I love it.
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