Most parents teach their children to be kind and caring -- but only IRL (in real life). So how do we teach Digital Kindness? My list of Dos and Don'ts gives families a checklist all technology users should memorize -- grown-ups included.
The Dos
• DO: If you need/want to make a critical comment, then verbally say it in person, one on one.
• DO: Delete mean or humiliating pictures/posts sent to you.
• DO: Respond to texts/emails that ask for your help.
• DO: Send kind texts.
• DO: Stand up for friends who are being attacked.
• DO: Unsubscribe from groups that are mean (if you can).
The Don'ts
• DON'T: Post pictures of a party where some of your friends in the group are not invited.
• DON'T: Post party invites/announcements on social media sites unless everyone is invited.
• DON'T: Make critical comments about others online/on text.
• DON'T: Take screenshots of Snapchats.
• DON'T: Forward mean or humiliating pictures/posts sent to you.
• DON'T: Hypertext.
• DON'T: "Like" or forward embarrassing photos.
• DON'T: Make critical comments about others online.
• DON'T: Ask people to send you sexy/inappropriate pictures.
• DON'T: Trust virtual friends whom you don't know in person.
• DON'T: Pretend to be someone else online, even if you think it is a joke.
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