Etiquette for Youth: Polished Young Personalities

Etiquette teaches kids and youth how to develop social skills, which imparts them with confidence and respect for other people. Even at the childhood stage, learning manners allows for an appropriate environment for socialization in school, at home, or in social events. It instructs the child on how to present themselves favorably and appropriately in all situations. Etiquette for the little ones now begins with 'please' and 'thank you.' These couple of words help instill fundamental habits of thankfulness and gratefulness. You reach more advanced levels of youth etiquette as they grow older, entering into complex social behavior participation which may include situations at work or discussing respectfully while managing formal events.

Parents must also educate children on etiquette, such as good table manners while eating. Practice simple habits of washing hands before eating, sitting up, and using utensils in the right places with the children. For little kids, colorful plates and child-friendly cutlery could be useful during these practices. Explain the ways that children can be made to engage in polite conversation around the table, encourage not to use their cell phones or watch TV, and witness parents engaged in polite behavior such as chewing with the mouth closed, saying "excuse me" when leaving the table, and waiting for everyone to be served before eating. For instance, role-playing games as if going to a restaurant, can be very amusing. For instance, parents might ask their children to serve them a pretend meal, allowing them to practice pouring water without spilling or asking politely for the salt. In due course, the child gets accustomed to these habits and gets himself prepared for dinner with his family or friends.

Digital etiquette or netiquette has been defined as the responsible and proper conduct while using the Internet. For youth, this is especially important as they navigate social media, messaging platforms, and online learning environments. The core elements include preventing cyberbullying, avoiding violations of others' privacy, and proper use of language. Educate the youth that everything they put or share online has the potential to have a lasting impact. What a lot of people tend to forget is that even when posts are deleted, they can still be captured as screenshots and shared. Let them pause and think before posting. The other important aspect would be the respect of people's time and attention. One should not spam, avoid unwarranted late-night chattering, or be wordy in emails or texts. Such lifestyles balance online and offline practices for youth, making their digital habits healthier and less dependent on technology to communicate.

Etiquette training is encouraged not only in school daily activities but also as part of the school curriculum. Therefore, there is a show of respect through raising hands before talking, and then listening attentively to others waiting for one's turn to talk. Such practices encourage respect amongst people and orderly behavior. Schools can also organize special lectures on social etiquette for students, like greeting people, eye contact, or showing gratitude. Role-playing makes the student realize how one should greet a teacher or classmate they are meeting for the first time or after class or even during recess. Debates or student councils, for example, offer opportunities to learn formal speech and leadership etiquette. Dining etiquette can be taught in schools through formal lunches or by teaching students how to go through various cultural customs and expand their global awareness.

Public etiquette helps the young people share places in a respectful and responsible way. Some of the basic rules include keeping noise to a level, not littering, and respecting others personal space. Whatever the setting is, be it a park, shopping mall, or public transport, learning about respect for communal settings ensures harmonious interaction among the youth. For example, when they are using public transport, they should give up their seats to the elders or handicapped persons and avoid occupying the corridors. When in public gatherings like concerts or sporting events, they should respect others’ enjoyment by avoiding disruptive behavior like pushing or shouting. These teachings can be reinforced through the very basic action of underlining examples in everyday life. Most importantly, if youth are encouraged to emulate adults through respectful behavior, most youths will do so. Persistent teaching of public manners leads to much more pleasant and respectful communities.