Digital kindness for kids starts with small habits at home. Because words travel fast online, we teach clear steps first. Then we practice often. With a short checklist and tiny drills, kids pause, think, and post with care.
Digital Kindness for Kids: The Kindness Rules
First, read these rules together. Next, say them before kids chat or comment.
If it is not kind, do not type it.
If you would not say it face to face, do not send it.
Ask before you share a photo of someone else.
If you hurt someone by accident, fix it fast.
Because the rules are brief, children remember them. And because they are clear, children can use them without a screen.
The 3 Checks Before You Post
Now use a 10-second checklist. Say it out loud while you type.
Kind: Would I be happy if I got this message?
Clear: Will they understand my words?
Private: Am I sharing anything about me or a friend?
If any answer is no, stop and adjust. If you are unsure, ask an adult. With repetition, these checks become automatic.
Parent Script You Can Use Tonight
Short scripts make practice easy, so try this call and response.
You: “Before we post, what are our three checks?”
Child: “Kind. Clear. Private.”
You: “If it fails any check, what do we do?”
Child: “We ask or we do not send.”
Use this once a day. Because routines build memory, kids soon self-check first.
1-Minute Practice That Sticks
These mini reps take one minute. They fit after math, during snack, or before free time.
Rewrite a grumpy sentence into a kind one. For example, change “That pic is dumb” to “That angle is tricky. Want help retaking it?”
Ask permission before sharing a sibling photo. Then record the yes or no.
Role-play a fix. Say, “I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you,” and then ask, “How can I make it better?”
Finally, set a 5-minute family check-in once a week. Review one chat, praise one kind choice, and practice one fix.
What to read next
- Pause Before You Click
- Strong Passwords for Kids
- Spot the Phish: Email Clues for Kids
- Family Password for Young Kids
- Visit our Security Basics, Privacy, and Online Safety hubs. For printables, grab our Freebies.
Parent resources
Because extra context helps, explore these trusted guides:
Leave a Reply