Words vanish but screenshots remain
Sometimes the need to make people laugh is stronger than reason. Telling bad jokes in a classroom is not as permanent as telling that same bad joke on Internet and your child must understand that. Whether it is on Skype, on a forum, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Google Plus or by email, threats are a criminal offence. An illegal act does not become legal on Internet. Everything your children say could be held against them and “it was just a joke” will not help them when they face opponents who intend to defend themselves. Several kids have learned the hard way that they should never blackmail, undermine, harass or threaten others.
You should also tell your children to avoid arguing in writing. They could say things that they don’t really mean and their friend could read what they said over and over. To avoid that and much more, tell them to avoid writing anything that they wouldn’t write to their auntie Sally.
