Each family has its own ways to deal with digital manners of course, but the basic approach must be applied in all cases.

Here are the basic EtiquetteWise Digital Manners™:

1. Lead By Example: As parents, you must apply what you preach. Children do not necessarily listen to what you tell them but learn from your actions and deeds. As sensible parents you must reduce the amount of time spent on the internet from social media activities to the use of texting and messaging before you ask your children to do the same.

2. Be Present: Whenever your child approaches you to share or ask something to you, give him/her your full attention. That means, you must put away your smartphones, ignore any incoming calls or messages and stay focused on what he/she has to say. With a sincere eye contact, a positive listening attitude, you give the impression that you are present mentally as well as physically to hear him/her out. This builds trust, mutual respect and boosts your child’s self-worth.

3. Be Clear and firm: When you make rules for the use of the Internet on any smart device, make sure your rules are well understood. For instance, instead of forbidding it during school days altogether, explain to them that no use of smartphones is allowed during homework, family meals and the use of the bathroom. Another example is to explain to your child that you must always monitor their digital activities, either by following their social media accounts or by having the passwords to all their smart devices. They must understand that owning digital devices at a young age is a privilege not a right. Once the rules are clear, be firm and consistent about applying them at all times, especially in the beginning, because that sets the grounds for your rules.

4. Posts Last Forever: It is imperative for digital young citizens to realize that posting photos and comments on social media will remain there online, even if your child decides to retrieve the posts later on. It only takes a second to share online! Moreover, posting daily rituals and personal photos is best if it is avoided altogether, but if necessary, parental control and approval are a must!

5. Cyber bullying Facts: By constantly monitoring your kids’ smartphones you teach them to stay alert and protect themselves from hounding. You should also teach your children to be responsible and truthful. If they notice that a classmate is being cyber bullied, they should not only avoid being the troublemaker, but also avoid more harm by adding on any negative comments themselves, since that is also considered a contribution towards bullying. The best EtiquetteWise digital kids are the ones who treat other children respectfully and stand up for the ones who are being mistreated.

As parents, we must lead by example and always practice what we preach to our children.