iTap - Netiquette: Communicating Respectfully Online

• Computing
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Netiquette: Communicating Respectfully Online

KO: To communicate appropriately and respectfully in online spaces by applying netiquette principles.

Today we’ll learn how to communicate appropriately and respectfully online — in chats, group messages, forums, and gaming spaces. By the end of the lesson, you’ll know how to keep your online tone clear, kind, and confident.

Success Criteria (use LessonUp bullet list):

✅ All: Identify examples of respectful and disrespectful messages.

✅ Most: Rewrite messages to show empathy and positive tone.

✅ Some: Evaluate which examples show the highest emotional intelligence.

“What words would you use to describe a respectful message online?”

What’s OK in a class WhatsApp group?

1️⃣ “Anyone know what the homework is please?”

2️⃣ “Sir is so annoying today 😂😂”

3️⃣ “Here’s the revision link – hope it helps!”

4️⃣ “Stop messaging so much, no one cares.”

Why do you think 2 and 4 might cause problems? What’s the difference in tone?

Write one example of good online behaviour you’ve seen — in a group chat, gaming lobby, or comments section.

🌐 Digital Footprint & Audience Awareness

• Everything you post, share, or comment online leaves a digital footprint.
• Your “audience” isn’t just your friends — it could be teachers, parents, employers, or anyone with a screenshot.
• Private messages aren’t always private — they can be shared, forwarded, or screenshotted.
• Once it’s online, it’s hard to delete completely.

How can a private message become public?

Can your digital footprint affect your future job opportunities?

Yes

No

💻 What Is Netiquette?

Netiquette = Network + Etiquette

It means showing respect, kindness, and responsibility in all your online communication — whether in a message, comment, email, or gaming chat.

Good netiquette helps everyone feel safe, included, and understood online.

Supporting Examples (list or icons):

🗣️ Think before you type.

💬 Use clear and polite language.

🤝 Treat people online the same as face-to-face.

🚫 Avoid spam, shouting (ALL CAPS), or sarcasm that could be misunderstood.

🔒 Respect privacy and personal information.

Why do you think people sometimes forget to use manners online?

💭 The T.H.I.N.K. Test — Before You Post or Send

T

Is it True?

H

Is it Helpful?

I

Is it Inspiring or Inclusive?

N

Is it Necessary?

K

Is it Kind?

Activity: Drag each example to “Passes THINK Test” or “Fails THINK Test.”

Passes THINK Test

Fails THINK Test

1️⃣ “This meme is funny but might upset someone.”

2️⃣ “Can someone resend the homework link?”

3️⃣ “You’re such a loser at this game lol.”

4️⃣ “Thanks for helping me out earlier.”

“Which of the five THINK questions do you find hardest to apply — and why?”
T – Is it True?
H – Is it Helpful?
I – Is it Inspiring or Inclusive?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind?

🗣️ Practical Rules for Respectful Online Communication

Rules List

1️⃣ Start politely — use greetings like “Hi” or “Hey everyone” when appropriate.

2️⃣ Be clear and concise — avoid huge walls of text; use punctuation.

3️⃣ Watch your tone — avoid ALL CAPS (it feels like shouting) and sarcasm.

4️⃣ Use emojis carefully — they add tone but can be misunderstood.

5️⃣ Respect privacy — don’t share screenshots, photos, or names without consent.

6️⃣ Pause before posting — if you wouldn’t say it face-to-face, don’t type it.

7️⃣ Think about your audience — messages to a teacher, friend, or group need different tones.

Which of these rules do you think people break most often — and why?

“Now that we know the rules, let’s see what happens when they’re broken — and why tone really matters.”

💭 What happens when people forget netiquette?

Consequences :

1️⃣ Reputation: What you post can affect how others see you — including teachers, friends, and future employers.

2️⃣ Screenshots are evidence: Even private chats can be saved and shared.

3️⃣ School consequences: Disrespectful posts, bullying, or sharing private info can lead to behaviour logs, detentions, or safeguarding referrals.

4️⃣ Emotional impact: Hurtful comments can damage confidence or mental health — even if they were meant as a joke.

5️⃣ Legal side: Threats, harassment, or sharing images without consent can break the law.

If you saw someone breaking netiquette in a group chat, what’s the best thing you could do?

1️⃣ Ignore it — it’s not your problem

2️⃣ Join in to make it less awkward

3️⃣ Report it or tell a trusted adult/teacher

4️⃣ Calmly ask them to stop and move the chat on

5️⃣ Screenshot it and share it with friends

Poll Results

• Option 3 shows responsibility and safeguarding awareness.
• Option 4 shows empathy and social maturity — good peer leadership.
• Option 1 and 2 are common real reactions but not helpful.
• Option 5 breaks privacy and makes things worse.

Why might it take courage to speak up or report disrespectful messages?

Model A – Disrespectful Online Conversation

Read the following message 

between Liam and Ava.

What went wrong in this chat?

Feedback

No greeting or polite tone.

Use of ALL CAPS (feels like shouting).

Sarcasm and emojis used to mock.

Threat (“screenshotted”) adds intimidation.

No empathy, no constructive communication.

How might these messages make the other person feel?

What could Liam have said differently to express his frustration but stay respectful?

💬 Model B – Respectful Online Conversation

Read the following message

between Liam and Ava.

“What makes this conversation respectful?”

Feedback

Polite greeting and positive tone.

No blaming or sarcasm.

Offers help and understanding.

Uses clear, concise language.

Shows teamwork and empathy.

Match the good netiquette feature to the example:

Greeting

Empathy 

Clarity 

Supportive tone 

“Hi Ava…”

“Are you okay?”

“I can upload by 7pm.”

“Do you want me to check the figures?”

✅  Checklist — What Did You Notice?

Good Netiquette Checklist

☑️ Polite greeting or opener

☑️ Clear punctuation and grammar

☑️ Calm tone (no ALL CAPS or sarcasm)

☑️ Empathy — asks how the other person feels

☑️ Offers help or a solution

☑️ Avoids blame or public arguments

☑️ Keeps conversation private and respectful

Which of these checklist points made the biggest difference in how the messages felt?

How could Liam still express frustration politely in the respectful version?

Now it’s your turn — let’s practise rewriting real examples to show good netiquette.

🧩 Group Task – Rewriting for Respect

💬 In groups of 3–4:

• Read your scenario carefully.
• Rewrite the messages to show good netiquette.
• Use the Checklist and THINK Test to guide you.
• Be ready to share your best rewrite with the class.

Scenario 1 – Gaming Chat 🎮

A teammate misses an easy shot.

Someone types: “You’re actually terrible, uninstall.”

Scenario 2 – Class WhatsApp Group 💬

A student posts a reminder about homework at 10:30 pm.

Another replies: “Stop spamming, no one cares.”

Scenario 3 – Comment Thread 🎨

A student shares their artwork online.

Comments appear: 😂😂 cringe!

🎨 Independent Task – Design a Netiquette Fact Sheet (Canva Challenge)

Create a one-page Netiquette Fact Sheet in Canva that teaches younger students how to communicate respectfully online.

Your design should be eye-catching, clear, and educational.

Include at least five of the following elements:

✅ A title (e.g. “Think Before You Post” or “Respect Online”)

✅ A short definition of netiquette

✅ The THINK test (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind)

✅ 3–5 practical rules or tips for good online communication

✅ 1 example of a bad message and a better rewrite

✅ 1 image, icon, or illustration (Canva or your own design)

✅ A short quote or slogan (e.g. “Type as if you’re talking face to face”)

CLICK HERE TO OPEN FACT SHEET TEMPLATE

Upload your completed fact sheet here...

Type one phrase, word, or promise that shows how you’ll communicate more respectfully online this week.

RECAP

✅ We explored what netiquette means.

✅ We used the THINK test to evaluate messages.

✅ We rewrote examples to show empathy and respect.

✅ We created a fact sheet to teach others.

How confident do you feel now about communicating respectfully online?

💪 Very confident

🙂 Getting there

😐 Still unsure

😕 I need more practice