Netiquette Class Contract

Netiquette is “the rules of correct or polite behaviour among people using the Internet” (Oxford Learner’s Dictionary)

Teachers can use this idea to create their own class ‘netiquette’ contract or download our free ‘Netiquette’ classroom worksheet for younger learners!

Here are some simple rules for making sure you interact politely while online to get you started:

1. Behaviour: Be respectful of other people’s views online. Keep these feelings for face-to-face scenarios. Your voice online is not unlike a ‘digital tattoo’ that may represent you for years to come. Avoid online trolls or cyberbullies, don’t engage with them.

2. Language: Think before you click… the online world is different to the offline world. Language can often be misinterpreted for example using exclamation points, capital letters and even emojis can have very different meanings.

3. Timing: Stay to on-topic and try not change the subject too dramatically, especially if you are new.

4. Copyright: Make sure you have permission to post other peoples’ photos, artwork or music. Do not take credit for other people’s work. There may be legal implications to using copyrighted material.

5. Content: Do your own research! Try and find the answers before you ask for help and make sure you ask the right people in the right forum. Use your critical thinking skills to assess real and fake content before sharing it on.

Talk to your students about how they communicate online and how they can develop the digital literacy skills.