Social Media Etiquette Tips for Kids and Teens
Social media can be fun, creative, and a way to stay close with friends. It can also bring stress, drama, or long-term problems if used without care. Kids and teens build a public record every time they post, comment, or send a message. Good etiquette protects friendships, protects privacy, and builds a positive reputation that follows you into school, work, and beyond.
Why etiquette matters online
Posts feel fast, but they can last a long time. Screens remove tone, so jokes land wrong and arguments heat up. Small choices add up. A kind reply can calm a tense thread. A rude comment can spread and get screenshot. Etiquette is not about being perfect. It is about making choices that show respect for yourself and for others.
| Post or Action | Better Etiquette | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing a group photo | Ask before posting, tag with consent, turn off location | Respects privacy and avoids sharing where someone lives or studies |
| Replying to a rude comment | Pause, screenshot if needed, respond calmly or do not engage | Keeps you safe from escalation and protects your image |
| Sending a DM to someone you do not know | Introduce yourself, keep it short, respect their time | Builds trust and avoids coming across as pushy or creepy |
| Posting a joke or meme | Check for stereotypes, slurs, or targeting an individual | Prevents harm and avoids consequences with school or work |
| Reposting trending content | Credit the creator and verify the source | Supports creators and reduces the spread of false claims |
Set up accounts the smart way
Privacy settings matter more than most people think. Start with private profiles when possible. Limit who can tag you, who can DM you, and who sees your stories. Review follower lists twice a year and remove anyone you would not greet in real life. Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication. Keep location sharing off by default, and only turn it on for short needs like meeting a friend at an event.
Think before you post
A fast rule helps: would you be comfortable if a teacher, coach, or future employer saw this? Would the person in the photo be fine with it? If the answer is not a clear yes, skip it or edit it. Re-read captions and comments before sending. Tone can be hard to read, so add context if needed. Humor is risky when it targets a person or a group. Inside jokes can feel like bullying from the outside.
Respect rules to live by
- Ask for consent before posting photos or videos of others.
- Keep private info private, including addresses, school names, and daily routines.
- Avoid subtweets or vague posts that target someone without naming them.
- Do not share homework answers, test content, or private class materials.
- Credit original creators and avoid re-uploading others’ work without permission.
- Use DMs for sensitive chats and keep screenshots off-limits unless safety is at risk.
- Mute, unfollow, or block accounts that make you feel unsafe or pressured.
- Report harassment, hate speech, and impersonation to the platform.
- Limit late-night posting when judgment slips and drama grows.
- Think long-term. Schools and jobs often review public content.
Comments, DMs, and group chats
Public threads are not the same as private messages. A joke in a group chat can be fine, then look harsh on a public thread. Keep public comments supportive and short. If someone is upset, move to a private chat and ask what they need. Group chats can spiral. Name-calling or pile-ons damage trust fast. Step back or set clear rules for the group, like no screenshots, no sharing outside the group, and no discussing people who are not present.
Photos, tags, and location
Photos carry more data than you think. Location tags can show where you live, train, or hang out. Turn off location except when it serves a short-term plan. Ask before tagging. Untag yourself from posts that feel off. Avoid sharing images that show school IDs, license plates, or house numbers. With younger siblings or friends, treat privacy even more carefully and do not post without a parent’s sign-off.
Handling mistakes and conflicts
Everyone slips up. If you post something that hurts someone, own it. Delete the post, message the person, and apologize without excuses. If you receive a call-out, resist defending yourself in public. A calm DM works better than a back-and-forth in comments. If you face harassment, collect evidence with screenshots, then mute, block, and report. Tell a parent, counselor, or trusted adult if it keeps going. Safety comes before pride.
Safety, privacy, and boundaries
Etiquette and safety go hand in hand. Share less when you are alone or traveling. Keep friend lists tight. Be careful with challenges that ask you to reveal facts about yourself. Avoid sending images you would not want shared. If someone pressures you, that is a sign to step away and set new boundaries. Friendships that matter will respect a no.
Building a positive presence for the future
A good feed does more than avoid trouble. It shows who you are. Share your projects, art, coding demos, sports highlights, or volunteer work. Use captions that explain what you learned, not just what you did. Keep comments kind, even when you disagree. Recruiters and scholarship panels notice steady, positive behavior over time. Consistency beats perfection.
Parents, coaches, and teachers: helpful roles
Adults help set the tone. Clear family rules and steady check-ins lead to better choices. Set device-free times like meals and bedtime. Talk through headline stories about online drama and ask what your child would do differently. Coaches and teachers can model good communication and step in early when conflicts move from school into social apps. Support works better than surprise punishments.
Recognizing red flags
Some behaviors call for fast action. Threats, hate speech, doxxing, or requests for private images should be reported. Impersonation accounts and sudden money requests are common scams. Messages that try to isolate you from friends or demand secrecy are not normal. Use platform tools to report, then tell a trusted adult or school staff if safety is involved.
Time, balance, and mental health
Feeds are designed to hold your attention. Set limits that fit your life. Turn off nonessential notifications. Move tempting apps off your home screen. Follow accounts that make you feel supported and informed, not anxious. If scrolling leaves you stressed or angry, take a break. Real rest, exercise, and sleep make online choices easier and kinder.
Good etiquette online is not about being perfect or quiet. It is about self-respect, kindness, and smart habits that make social media safer and more fun. Small decisions add up. Ask for consent before posting others. Step away from drama. Use privacy tools. Protect your future self with posts you can stand by years from now.
Start with one change today, like tightening privacy settings or cleaning up your follower list. Then keep going. Friends notice, your feed improves, and your confidence grows.
References: commonsensemedia.org, ftc.gov, stopbullying.gov