Parents
Encourage Good Netiquette and Upstander Behaviour to Prevent Online Harassment
Keeping your child safe online
Navigating online risks
When children go online, their actions can have an impact on others too. Online harassment often starts small, through teasing or thoughtless sharing. Encouraging good netiquette and upstander behaviour helps your child prevent harm, stop issues from escalating and develop digital habits that contribute to a safer online space.
What is netiquette?
Netiquette, or internet etiquette, means behaving respectfully and responsibly online.
Children may not always realise that messages, comments and posts can be easily misunderstood. What seems like a joke to them may hurt someone else.
Practising good netiquette helps children:
Avoid unintentionally hurting others
Build positive relationships online
Prevent conflicts from escalating into online harassment
How can you guide your child to practise good netiquette?
Encourage your child to think before they post
Guide them to T.H.I.N.K. before posting by considering if the content they want to share is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind so they protect themselves and others
Remind them to avoid posting when they are upset or emotional
Teach respect for others’ privacy and boundaries
Explain why they should not share someone else’s photos, messages or personal information without permission
Reinforce the importance of consent, even among friends
Model and reinforce kindness online
Encourage your child to use respectful language and be mindful of their tone
Help them understand the difference between playful teasing and hurtful bullying
Remind them not to join in negative behaviour, including liking or sharing hurtful content
Encourage empathy by asking “How would you feel if someone did the same to you?”
What is an upstander?
An upstander is someone who takes safe and appropriate action when they see something wrong online. This may include supporting someone who is being harassed online, reporting harmful content, or speaking up respectfully when it is safe to do so.
Online harassment can be just as harmful as in-person bullying, with lasting effects on a child’s wellbeing, confidence and relationships.
Teach your child to be an upstander so that they can:
Develop empathy and courage to do what is right
Show that online harassment is not acceptable and help prevent it from escalating
Support peers who may feel hurt or excluded
Contribute to a safer and more respectful online community
How can you encourage your child to be an upstander?
Encourage empathy and support for others
Guide your child to check in with someone who may be affected by harmful online behaviour
Encourage them to offer kind words or support privately
Discuss safe ways to speak up
Let your child know they can speak up when they feel comfortable
Suggest simple responses such as redirecting negative conversations or stopping hurtful behaviour
Promote the use of reporting tools
Teach your child how to report harmful content on platforms they use
Reinforce that reporting is a responsible action, not “snitching”
Encourage help-seeking
Remind your child that they can approach you or another trusted adult if they witness harmful online behaviour or are unsure how best to support someone affected by it
Keep communication open so they feel supported
Children often learn how to behave online by observing the adults around them. By modelling respectful communication, empathy and thoughtful sharing in your own online interactions, you set a powerful example for your child to follow. Coupled with open conversations and guidance, this helps your child develop healthy digital habits and the confidence to act responsibly when faced with harmful behaviour. Over time, these everyday actions can shape how your child engages with others and contributes to a kinder online environment.