Four Ways To Foster Positive Internet Use In Your Child’s Online Interactions

While it’s common to have different opinions, there’s never a need to be disrespectful or insulting. If your child would like to comment, the focus should be on the argument and not the person. Let them know that it is all right to agree to disagree.

Encourage them to practise “Stop – Think – Do” before posting anything online:

• Stop: Stop what you are about to do and calm down.
• Think: Consider the choices and the consequences of each choice.
• Do: Choose the most responsible choice. If necessary, seek help from a trusted adult.

When your child comes across content they wish to share, it is important to do so responsibly. Encourage them to use T.H.I.N.K to check if what they are posting or sharing is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. If any answer is ‘No’, advise your child not to post it.

Take a step further and guide your child to verify the content before sharing. Explore S.U.R.E. by National Library Board, which promotes the importance of information literacy and discernment. Guide your child to always be S.U.R.E before they share!

Guide your child to respect the intellectual property rights of others. Advise them against stealing or damaging digital work, identity, or property. Always ask for permission before using someone else’s content and remember to credit them.

Your child can play their part and stand up against online negativity and cyberbullying. Start by reporting hateful comments, or tactfully call out the negative behaviour and suggest positive alternatives.

This may help mitigate negativity and instill in them the values of empathy and courage.