NOTE: Why not have your parents go through this with you. They'll enjoy learning with you.

You are probably using a computer or another device to send messages to people online. Maybe you are doing this on your own or with your parents' help.

Think about these:

You send a friend a message you think will make her laugh. It's just a silly joke, but your friend doesn't understand that you are joking and thinks you are making fun of her. She feels awful.

Some kid sends you a not-so-nice-message. It makes you so angry that you quickly send a nasty message back. The kid shows your message to his parents and ...

You are upset that your parents won't let you go to a slumber party. You send out messages telling everyone how awful your parents are.

Your parents are very strict about text messaging, but they let you send text message to your soccer coach asking him when the game is. He doesn't reply.

Some of your friends suggest you get together, and you send what you think are funny messages to kids in your class you don't especially like.

When your parents think you are in bed, you get up to go online. There's this "friend" you met online in one of the games, and she's always ready to chat and text with you late at night.

Don't Let It Happen to You

You know what common sense is. That's what you need to use if you are texting or posting anything online. Why not role-play the part of the person who is going to get your message and see if you as that person would appreciate and understand your message.

Don't ever send or post anything when you are angry because chances are, you'll regret pressing Send or posting online.

If you have problems with your parents, teachers, and friends are private, these are not meant to be spread around to everyone. Personal = Private. If you have a disagreement with someone, don't try to solve it through the Internet. Talk to the person about it-but not online.

You may not realize it, but many adults including teachers aren't online as much as you may be, and some do not text. They may have the ability to text, but they may not text, and if they do, they may not check their messages for days. You can't expect an instant reply from everyone especially teachers-even other kids.

If you and your friends aren't respectful to others online, then guess what - you are bullies. Yes, that's right you could easily be seen as a bully. Do you really want to try to make yourself look tough in front of your "friends" by embarrassing someone else?

-And as for being online late at night, well, it's the least safe time to be on the Net, especially if you are interacting with someone you don't know. Besides, you need your sleep and will do much better in school if you aren't messaging and posting at all hours. But then you already knew that didn't you?