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Meet Princess, the poodle with impeccable etiquette!

She's been trained since she was a pup to be a really polite and well-behaved dog. Though, like any other dog, she's had her fair share of accidents and misbehavior. All in all, she's a pretty obedient doggo. And when it comes to being good online and having proper digital manners, she's a real champ. She can help you out as your ideal companion to guide you in the right direction. With her by your side, you can cruise through the online world like a pro, always being mindful of others and staying polite and respectful.

Have you heard the term “netiquette” before?

It was created by combining the words Internet and etiquette, and it refers to an acceptable way of communicating online. As a student, you probably spend a lot of time online, whether it's for schoolwork, socializing, or entertainment. However, it's important to remember that online behavior matters just as much as offline behavior.

Here are some tips for practicing good digital etiquette and online behavior:

Think before you post

Think Before You Post!

Before you hit that "share" button, it's important to take a moment and think about what you're posting online. You wouldn't want to accidentally offend or harm anyone, right? Once something is out there, it's out there for good, so it's tricky to undo or remove it. Just remember, the things you post can have a big impact on your life, like your reputation, career, and relationships. So, be mindful of what you're sharing and ask yourself if it's appropriate before you hit "post."

respect others

Respect Others

When you're chatting with people online, it's super important to always be respectful. This means being kind, considerate, and empathetic - treating others like you'd want to be treated. Even if you're not on the same page with someone, it's important to stay respectful and not let things get negative with sarcasm, insults, or other hurtful stuff.

Showing respect online also means being mindful of what you say and share. Don't spread rumors or gossip, and be careful about what you put out there. Remember that what you say and do online can really impact people in the real world, so be responsible and thoughtful in your interactions.

Most importantly, steer clear of cyberbullying - it's just not cool. Whether it's hurtful comments, threats, or harassment, it's never okay to treat people that way. If you see someone else getting bullied online, don't be afraid to speak up and do something about it.

protect your privacy

Protect Your Privacy

In today's digital technology world, you must be careful about sharing your personal info online. It's better not to give your full name, address, phone number, or any other sensitive info to someone you don't know. Also, watch what you post on social media or other online platforms. Photos, videos, and any personal info can be used against you in the future. So, think twice before sharing something that could be harmful or embarrassing. Once it's online, it's difficult to remove it completely. Protecting your privacy online requires awareness of the risks and consequences of sharing personal information online. Be mindful of what you share and who you share it with, to keep yourself and your personal information safe online.

Let's really focus on Cyberbullying.

As well trained as Princess is, she sometimes makes mistakes. One time at the dog park she got scared when another dog approached her. Princess acted out and snapped at the other dog. She didn't intend to hurt him as much as she did, but she was asked to leave the dog park nonetheless.

don't be a cyberbully Since that episode, Princess has learned to control her emotions.

Some people (kids and adults) make poor choices when it comes to their online behavior. One of the ways this can occur is by cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, threatening, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. If a person pretends to be someone else, that can be cyberbullying too. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

Social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok
Text messaging and messaging apps on mobile or tablet devices
Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
Online forums, chat rooms, and message boards, such as Reddit
Online gaming communities
Email

If you ever feel like you are being cyberbullied, it’s important to reach out and let a responsible adult know. Talk to your parents, teachers, or counselors about what has happened, how it started, and who has been involved. Even if you think you might have been part of acting in an inappropriate way, it’s usually best to be honest. Help your parents to document what happened and where it occurred. With the help of your parents, report it to your school. Your parents can also reach out to the app or social media platform so that, hopefully, the content can be removed. If you’ve ever received physical threats or a crime or illegal behavior has occurred, you and your parents must report it to the police.

Reminders of what not to do:

Never sink to the bully’s level.
Never forward emails, texts, or inappropriate content.
Never believe what the bully says.

Watch the video below to learn more about what is considered cyberbullying and how you can keep yourself safe from it.

NEXT UP: Etiquette Training and Your Digital Footprint

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[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN THE LESSON.