Technology Etiquette for a Teen
The fervor with which teens embrace technology can lead to overuse and even abuse, without guidelines and direction. Connecting with friends and enjoying the entertaining aspects of technology often lead teens to spend significant time and energy with cellphones and computers. To ensure appropriate use of electronics, your teen will need to understand technology etiquette.
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Following Rules
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Teach teenagers to follow guidelines and rules instituted by parents, school administrators or places they happen to be. For example, if parents make a rule about texting during meals or electronics use during homework time, teenagers should adhere to the rules. If school administrators prohibit the use of cellphones during school hours, teenagers must comply. When in a location that prohibits cell phone use ̵1; the library or a medical office, for example ̵1; teenagers should follow the rules.
Respectful Use
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When in the company of others, it̵7;s common courtesy to avoid talking on the phone, surfing the Internet on a smartphone or engaging in a texting conversation, according to author and communications consultant Joanna L. Krotz, with the Microsoft Business website. Teach your teen to keep a minimum of 10 feet between her and others while she̵7;s talking on her cellphone. Generally, enclosed public places, such as elevators, waiting rooms and restaurants, should be off-limits for cellphone conversations. Instruct your teenager to set her cellphone to vibrate when she̵7;s in a place where the ring would be disruptive, advises the Emily Post website.
Communication
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Encourage your teenager to communicate respectfully with others when using electronics, advises author and licensed professional counselor Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, with the "Psychology Today" website. Explain to your teen that capitalized text generally symbolizes yelling in cyber communication. It can also be risky to communicate with others when feeling angry, frustrated or anxious because your teen might say something he̵7;ll regret later.
Sharing
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Once uploaded to the Internet or shared via text message, an image becomes public and permanent, warns the Washington State Office of the Attorney General. Even if your teenager later removes or deletes an image, it̵7;s impossible to ascertain how many people downloaded and saved it while the image was accessible. For this reason, counsel your teenager to use extreme caution before sharing images electronically. You might recommend that your teenager check with you prior to uploading anything to ensure that the image is appropriate. Furthermore, instruct your teenager never to upload images belonging to other people, or that are of other people, without prior permission.
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