Being a Good Friend Online

Being a good friend online is just like being a good friend in the playground. The words you type and the things you share affect real people with real feelings. This page helps you think about how to be kind, thoughtful and fair when you are online.

Words on a Screen Are Real

When you type a message, someone real is reading it. They cannot hear your voice or see your face, so they might take your words differently from how you meant them. Before you send something, ask yourself: 'Would I say this to their face?' If the answer is no, it is probably better not to send it. A kind message can make someone's day; a mean one can really hurt.

Standing Up for Others

If you see someone being picked on in a group chat or game, you can help by being kind to the person being bullied. Send them a private message to check they are okay. You do not have to argue with the bullies — just showing someone that they are not alone is powerful. And if it gets serious, telling a grown-up is the right thing to do.

Sharing Things About Other People

Before you share a photo, video or message about someone else, ask yourself: 'Would they be happy if I shared this?' If you are not sure, do not share it. Everyone deserves to have a say in what gets shared about them online. And once something is shared, it can be very hard to take back.