Getting caught in the inter "net"
These days, now that we're in the twenty-first century, some people talk less on the phone than they used to. That's because we have lots of alternatives to using the telephone. Maybe you know some kids who have cell phones or wear pagers. Lots of people use the web, too. Some children are lucky enough to have computers at school and at home. If you do, you have probably used the internet to learn interesting things about the world. Maybe you even have an e-mail address. E-mail is a way that your friends can call you without using a telephone and send you notes or letters, even invitations without using the regular postal service. Computers and the Internet are very interesting and fun to use. It's important to remember some rules though, or you could get caught in an inter "net".
What's an inter "net?"
If you are lucky enough to have a computer that you can use anytime you want to, there are some rules you should follow or your might find yourself in some difficult situations. Difficult situations can feel like a "net" or a trap that you just can't escape. The rules for behaving on the Internet are a lot like the rules for communicating on the phone. Do you remember the phone rules? Here they are just in case you don't.
1. Speak calmly and clearly.
2. Say hello and say who's calling.
3. Ask to please speak to whomever you're phoning.
4. If they're not home, leave a message.
5. Say thank you and goodbye.
6. Gently hang up the phone. All of these rules also apply to using the Internet and sending messages by e-mail except you're writing instead of talking.
Take a look:
1. Write calmly and clearly. This means don't write in all capitol letters because that is like yelling at someone with words, and write clearly -- use good grammar and complete sentences.
2. Say hello and say who's writing. You should always make sure the person receiving the message can tell who it's coming from and be sure to say "Hello!"
3. Ask to please speak to whoever you're sending the message to. This means you should always address your message. Don't forget, sometimes people share an e-mail address with other people. Also, just in case you send the message to the wrong address, there won't be a misunderstanding.
4. If they're not home, leave a message. When you send an e-mail, you are never speaking directly to someone. They will get the message after you've sent it. This is why it is very important to put something in the box called "subject". Also, make sure the message is clear so that the person receiving the message will have all the information and can answer your e-mail properly.
5. Say thank you and good-bye. It is important to remember that since someone is reading the message and not hearing it, they have to try to imagine what the message would sound like in person. If you are polite in your writing, people will think you would be polite in person. If you do not say good-bye or thank you, it's the same as hanging up on someone.
6. Gently hang up the phone. Don't forget to send the message. And don't be rude and send the message three or four times. Once is enough. Give the person time to check their messages and call you back.
You see, the Internet is just like the phone. One other word of advice: You have to be really careful on the Internet. Everything you write can be saved for a long time. You have to be careful about sending messages with private or secret information in them. Don't forget, other people can read the e-mail too. It's never a good idea to say mean things or spread gossip on the Internet. Think about how you would feel if someone did this to you. Just remember, if you forget the rules, you could find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
One more thing, and this is REALLY important: Remember when you were young and your parents told you not to talk to strangers. Well, you shouldn't talk to strangers on the Internet either. Sometimes it's hard to know who is a stranger and who isn't because a lot of people don't use their real name on the Internet. Anyway, you shouldn't go to a “chat&" room without permission from your parent's because there are lot's of stranger's there and if you do go visiting people on the Internet, don't tell private information like your name, age, address or phone number to anyone on the Internet. You also shouldn't buy things or use a credit card on the Internet unless you talk to your parent's first. Even if something seems like a really good deal, don't do it until you talk to your parent's first! Make sure you know who you're writing to. If someone you don't know sends you an e-mail, tell your parents right away. Don't talk to strangers even if you think it would be fun because it's not safe. The Internet can be lot's of fun and there are lot's of very interesting things to see and learn but just like when we're out and about in the world we have to be careful.
Do you have a family etiquette issue you'd like advice on? Just ask the Etiquette Ladies!
