The internet offers endless opportunities to connect, learn and create, but it also requires awareness and responsibility. Whether you’re chatting with friends, posting on social media or gaming online, knowing how to communicate respectfully, stay safe and protect your mental well-being is key to a positive online experience.
This guide covers digital etiquette, online safety, mental well-being and knowing when to talk to a trusted adult – because navigating the internet safely is just as important as navigating the real world.
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Digital etiquette: communicating respectfully online
What you say and do online leaves an impression, just like in real life. Practising good digital etiquette helps build respectful and positive interactions.
- Think before you post: Once something is online, it can be screenshotted, shared or saved – permanently
- Treat others with kindness: If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online. Jokes at someone else’s expense can still cause harm
- Respect privacy: If a friend shares something privately, don’t post or forward it without permission
- Be mindful of tone: Without facial expressions or body language, texts can be easily misinterpreted. Adding clarity can prevent misunderstandings
If you’re unsure whether to post something, ask yourself:
- Will this embarrass or hurt someone (including me)?
- Would I be OK with a parent, teacher or future employer seeing this?
If the answer is no, reconsider posting.
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Online safety: protecting yourself in the digital space
Being online comes with risks, but a few smart habits can go a long way in protecting yourself.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Never reuse the same password across multiple sites. A password manager can help keep track
- Adjust privacy settings: Control who can see your posts, follow you or contact you. Review settings regularly
- Be cautious of strangers: Not everyone online is who they say they are. Avoid sharing personal details with people you don’t know in real life
- Watch out for scams: If something sounds too good to be true – free money, prizes, job offers – it probably is
- Recognise and report cyberbullying: If someone is harassing you, block, report and talk to a trusted adult
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If something feels off, trust your gut and talk to a trusted adult
Your instincts are powerful. If something feels wrong, uncomfortable or “off”, trust your gut – it’s usually right. Some situations online should never be handled alone. If you experience any of the following, talk to a parent, teacher, coach or another trusted adult.
Signs that you should reach out for help:
- Someone you met online asks for personal photos or private information
- Someone asks for money after you’ve shared information or photos with them
- Someone pressures you to do something you’re uncomfortable with
- You receive threatening, mean or inappropriate messages
- A post, video or comment makes you feel anxious, unsafe or uneasy – even if you can’t explain why
- A situation online is affecting your friendships, school life or mental health
Talking to an adult doesn’t mean you’re in trouble – it means you’re protecting yourself. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, you don’t need proof that it’s dangerous to ask for help.
If speaking in person feels difficult, try texting a parent, counsellor or mentor: “Hey, something happened online, and I don’t know what to do. Can we talk?”
If you need support but don’t know who to turn to, and you’re based in the United States, text CREATE to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential support from a trained volunteer Crisis Counsellor at Crisis Text Line.
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Mental well-being: staying balanced in a digital world
Being online should be enjoyable, not exhausting. Here’s how to maintain a healthy balance:
- Set screen time limits: Social media is designed to keep you scrolling. Taking breaks prevents burnout
- Curate your feed: Follow accounts that make you feel good, not stressed. Mute, unfollow or block anyone who negatively affects you
- Avoid doomscrolling: Staying informed is important, but endless scrolling through negative content can be overwhelming
- Don’t compare yourself to social media: People post highlights, not reality. Your life doesn’t need to look like someone else’s feed
- Talk to someone if social media makes you feel down: If online interactions are affecting your mental health, reach out for support
If you ever need help, and are based in the United States, text CREATE to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential support from a trained volunteer Crisis Counsellor at Crisis Text Line.
Final takeaways
Navigating the internet safely, respectfully and in a way that supports your well-being is an essential skill.
- Practise digital etiquette: Be kind, think before you post and respect privacy
- Stay safe online: Use privacy settings, avoid scams and block/report harassment
- Trust your gut and talk to an adult: If something feels off, reach out – even if you can’t explain why
- Protect your mental health: Set boundaries, take breaks and seek help when needed
The internet should be a positive experience – with the right habits and awareness, you can keep it that way.
Remember: if you ever need support, and are based in the United States, text CREATE to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential support from a trained volunteer Crisis Counsellor at Crisis Text Line.