2025 - Netiquette and online communication

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

What is the
connection?

KO: To understand how to communicate respectfully and appropriately online.

All: Can describe what netiquette means and identify examples of respectful and disrespectful online behaviour.

Most: Can explain why respectful communication online is important and give examples of how to show it.

Some: Can evaluate examples of online communication and suggest improvements that show digital empathy and respect.

What is netiquette?

Netiquette

Rules of conduct for respectful and appropriate communication on the internet

What is respect?

Respect

A regard for:

• feelings
• wishes
• rights

of others

Or an admiration for someone, as a result of their abilities, qualities or achievements

Do you have good online netiquette?

I have good online netiquette

I have bad online netiquette

Do we show different respect online compared to in person?

What does Kane suggest we should do instead of joining in with abusive comments?

1. Mute everyone
2. Be positive, encouraging and friendly
3. Stop gaming altogether
4. Report every player

According to Kane, what should you do if you start feeling frustrated or angry while gaming?

1. Keep playing until you win
2. Argue back louder
3. Message your friend to complain
4. Take a screen break

What could happen if you use offensive language online?

1. You might get extra points
2. Nothing will happenr
3. You could get a timeout or permanent ban
4. The other player will ignore you

Reflection

When communicating online, have you ever....

• Been impatient with someone
• Not said please or thank you for something you should have
• ignored someone's feelings
• ignored someone completely
• Written in full caps to make a point
• Use sarcasm or emojis to make fun of someone

Have you ever done any of those things that would be disrespectful?

Yes, within the last week

Yes, in the past

No

Language

• Derogatory language
• swearing or being rude 

Reflection

When communicating online, have you ever...

• Sworn at someone to upset them
• Called somebody something nasty/rude
• insulted somebody or their family in a comment
• insulted someone while gaming online

Have you ever done any of those things?

Yes, within the last week

Yes, in the past

No

Remember the person

Every comment or communication has a real human behind it

Anonymity makes people say things they usual wouldn't

Reflection

When communicating online have you ever...

• Written something that you wouldn't have said to the person in real life
• Written or shared something that you would not be happy about if your family knew what you had written/shared it

Have you ever done any of those things?

Yes, within the last week

Yes, in the past

No

The Need for Netiquette

We want to sound respectful, polite and knowledgeable when we communicate online.

Following some rules on how we communicate can achieve this.

What qualities do you think online communications should have?

Example one..

Read the following message conversation...

What tone do you notice in Jamie’s messages?

How might Alex feel reading this?

Which netiquette rules are
being broken?

Example two..

Read the following message conversation...

What makes Jamie’s
message respectful?

How does the tone change the whole conversation?

Which positive netiquette rules
do you see here?

Your challenge: Rewrite this conversation to show good netiquette and emotional intelligence.

Make sure everyone:
* Keeps the tone respectful
* Offers solutions instead of blame
* Uses polite or encouraging language

THINK (in silence for 20 seconds)

Imagine you are moderating an online gaming community. What three “Netiquette Rules” would you post for all players to follow?

PAIR (Discuss with a partner)

Imagine you are moderating an online gaming community. What three “Netiquette Rules” would you post for all players to follow?

SHARE (One answer per group)
Imagine you are moderating an online gaming community. What three “Netiquette Rules” would you post for all players to follow?

After completing this lesson - Do you have good netiquette?

😒🙁😐🙂😃

Who will change any aspect of how they communicate online after this session?

I already have great Netiquette

I will change to improve my Netiquette

I do not intend to change anything.

Extension

In Canva

Design a Netiquette poster for the classroom summarising respectful online communication rules.