In today’s education system, learning goes far beyond textbooks. With the use of digital tools now part of everyday schooling, it is important that students not only know how to use technology but also how to use it responsibly. At Sacred Heart School, Siliguri, a Google for Education-approved residential institution following the ICSE and ISC curriculum, students use digital platforms for research, collaboration, assignments, and communication. This makes digital etiquette a necessary skill. Practising proper online behavior reflects discipline, builds good habits, and prepares students for success in academic and professional environments.
What is Digital Etiquette and Why Does It Matter?
Digital etiquette, or netiquette, refers to the respectful and responsible way students interact in online spaces. This includes the tone they use in emails, the way they behave in online discussions, and how they share, submit, or collaborate on digital assignments. Just as classroom manners are important during in-person lessons, digital manners are essential during all forms of online engagement.
For students, good digital etiquette helps create a safe and productive learning environment. It shows maturity, builds mutual respect, and allows every voice to be heard clearly and respectfully. It also supports time management, encourages honesty, and improves communication skills.
Why Students at Sacred Heart Should Follow Digital Etiquette
- Respect for Teachers and Classmates
Whether students are sending an email or asking a question on a shared platform, respectful communication helps maintain a positive learning environment. It teaches students to think before they speak or type and to choose words that are thoughtful and appropriate. - Accountability in Collaborative Work
Subjects like Arctic ICT and ICT 360 focus on practical digital skills including coding, design, and project work. Students often work in teams, which requires them to be respectful of shared digital spaces. Proper online conduct helps each group member contribute effectively without confusion or conflict. - Professional Use of School Email
Every student is given a school email address under the Google for Education platform. Learning how to use it properly with clear subject lines, polite language, and relevant content teaches students to communicate professionally, which is an important life skill. - Academic Integrity and Responsible Research
In the school’s Conference and Research Centre, senior students explore courses, careers, and college opportunities. When conducting online research, they are expected to avoid copying content, cite sources correctly, and respect the intellectual work of others. These practices build digital honesty and responsibility. - Healthy Digital Habits in a Residential Setup
Sacred Heart School provides a structured environment where screen time is monitored and digital activities are guided. Students are encouraged to stay focused during digital sessions, avoid distractions, and use technology for purposeful learning. Following digital etiquette ensures that devices become tools for growth, not sources of disruption.
Digital Etiquette is More Than Just Good Behavior
Following digital etiquette is not only about rules. It is about building habits that reflect integrity, responsibility, and self-awareness. These values are part of the Sacred Heart way of learning. Students are reminded that their behavior online represents who they are, just like their actions in the classroom or on the playground. Good digital manners build confidence and help students stand out in a positive way.
As students engage in activities such as robotics, innovation, ICT projects, and academic research, they are constantly using technology to express their ideas. Digital etiquette ensures that these interactions are respectful, organized, and meaningful.
At Sacred Heart School, we believe that digital etiquette is a life skill every student must develop. It supports respectful communication, encourages accountability, and builds character in the digital age. As a school that blends tradition with technology, we are committed to helping our students grow not only as learners but as responsible digital citizens. When students follow digital etiquette, they show respect for others, pride in their work, and readiness to succeed in any environment — both offline and online.