Rules of the Road

Learning to use digital technology well is a lot like learning to drive a car. It’s exciting. It opens up a whole new world. It can also be dangerous. You’re bound to make mistakes as you build skills and learn to stay safe while gaining independence. Keep in mind these rules of the road:

• The people behind comments and posts are real human beings. Before writing something online, consider: would you say it to someone’s face? Be respectful even when you disagree with someone, and be open to learning from their opinion.
• Be kind. Think about how your comments can make others feel good rather than hurt them or put them down.
• Talk about privacy and safety settings with your parents. Remember that photos and words you send to one person — including Snapchats and other apps that seem private — may be shared widely. Everything you share online is essentially public and may be out there permanently.
• Don’t send messages, photos, or comments that could be hurtful, harassing, or considered hate speech. If you receive this type of content or see it happening to someone else, tell a Opens in a new tabtrusted adult or report it.
• Set limits on your screen time, connect with friends in real life, and schedule off-screen activities.

To learn more

Read

• Ways to Opens in a new tabprevent or report cyberbullying (stopbullying.gov)

Watch a video

• Ways to promote Opens in a new tabcivil discourse online (Common Sense Education)
• Teens sharing about Opens in a new tabonline hate speech (Common Sense Education)
• Taking down Opens in a new tabsexual photos and videos shared online (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)