The Badge Archive

Netiquette Tip Sheet

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Netiquette badge requirements.

Items Needed:

  • Pre-made Netiquette Tip Sheet (one per scout)
  • 4 Oops and Wow stories to read aloud

Instructions:

  1. Hand out the Netiquette Tip Sheets to scouts.
  2. Read each of the 4 Oops and Wow stories aloud to the group, one at a time.
  3. After reading each story, ask scouts to point out tips the story followed or tips that could have improved the outcome.

Suggested Netiquette Tips

  1. Think Before You Send: Re-read your message before sending it to make sure it sounds clear and kind.
  2. Avoid Emotional Posts: Don’t send messages while angry or upset. Wait until you feel calm before replying.
  3. Be Respectful: Write messages the way you’d speak to the person face-to-face.
  4. Check Spelling and Grammar: Proofread your messages to avoid misunderstandings caused by mistakes.
  5. Be Considerate of Time: Avoid sending messages at odd hours unless it’s urgent.
  6. Privacy Matters: Don’t share personal information or photos without permission.
  7. Think About Forwarding: Only share messages or photos that the sender would be comfortable sharing with others.
  8. Spread Positivity: Use your messages to encourage others and brighten their day.

These 8 Netiquette Tips cover most Oops and Wow stories. Here’s how each tip aligns with common scenarios:

  1. Think Before You Send: Addresses Oops moments like reacting negatively, posting in anger, or making misunderstood jokes by encouraging scouts to pause and review their messages.
  2. Avoid Emotional Posts: Helps prevent Oops stories such as posting in anger or making impulsive comments during disagreements.
  3. Be Respectful: Covers Wow moments like encouraging others or standing up for someone online, as well as Oops moments involving unkind comments or exclusion.
  4. Check Spelling and Grammar: Avoids Oops stories where messages are misunderstood due to errors, ensuring clarity in communication.
  5. Be Considerate of Time: Encourages scouts to think about when they send messages, helping maintain respectful boundaries.
  6. Privacy Matters: Prevents Oops stories like sharing photos or personal information without consent.
  7. Think About Forwarding: Helps avoid accidental sharing or oversharing that could upset someone.
  8. Spread Positivity: Highlights Wow stories like promoting kindness, celebrating achievements, and offering encouragement to others.

Scouts can create their own Netiquette Tip Sheets in these activities:

Tia Kennard