20+ Manners for Teens
1. Respect in Conversation
👉 When someone’s talking, listen to understand, not to respond.
💡 Tip: Don’t interrupt—even if you disagree. Wait your turn, then share your point calmly.
2. Texting Tone
👉 Words can sound sharper over text than in person.
💡 Tip: Add context or an emoji if your message could be taken the wrong way.
3. Group Chats
👉 Be kind and inclusive online.
💡 Tip: Don’t gossip, exclude, or screenshot private messages. Protect others’ dignity.
4. First Impressions
👉 The way you show up matters.
💡 Tip: Make eye contact, smile, and greet people confidently—even adults you don’t know well.
5. Social Media Etiquette
👉 What you post shapes your reputation.
💡 Tip: Before posting, ask: “Would I say this face-to-face?” If not, skip it.
6. Apologies That Mean Something
👉 A real apology doesn’t include excuses.
💡 Tip: Say, “I was wrong, and I’m sorry.” Then show you mean it through your actions.
7. Table Manners
👉 Mealtime is about connection, not screens.
💡 Tip: Keep your phone put away, chew with your mouth closed, and say “thank you” to whoever prepared or paid for the meal.
8. Respecting Adults
👉 Adults notice effort and respect.
💡 Tip: Say “yes, ma’am/sir” or “thank you,” and look them in the eye when speaking.
9. Helping Out at Home
👉 Pitching in shows maturity and gratitude.
💡 Tip: Don’t wait to be asked—take out the trash, clear dishes, or offer help when you see a need.
10. Gratitude After a Ride
👉 Someone took time out of their day to help you.
💡 Tip: Always say, “Thanks for the ride!”—and if it’s a regular thing, offer gas money or help with something in return.
11. Public Spaces
👉 How you act in public shows maturity.
💡 Tip: Keep your voice down, clean up after yourself, and respect personal space.
12. Handling Disagreements
👉 It’s okay to disagree—without disrespect.
💡 Tip: Stay calm, use “I” statements (“I feel…”), and avoid sarcasm or name-calling.
13. Phone Manners
👉 Phones are useful—but they shouldn’t replace real presence.
💡 Tip: Put your phone away when you’re at the dinner table, talking to someone, or hanging out in person. Real life deserves your full attention.
14. Gratitude Counts
👉 A thank-you goes a long way.
💡 Tip: Send a quick note or text after someone helps you or gives you something—it’s mature and memorable.
15. Sportsmanship
👉 Winning with humility and losing with grace builds respect.
💡 Tip: Shake hands, compliment good plays, and don’t make excuses.
16. Online Kindness
👉 Likes and comments can build or break someone’s confidence.
💡 Tip: Be generous with encouragement, and skip negative or sarcastic replies.
17. Punctuality
👉 Being on time shows you value others’ time.
💡 Tip: Aim to arrive 5 minutes early—it makes a strong impression.
18. True Friendship Matters
👉Be the same friend (if not better) behind someone’s back that you are to their face
💡 Cheer their victories - and really want them to succeed, even if it means they do better than you
19. Body Language Matters
👉 Your attitude shows before you even speak.
💡 Tip: No eye rolling, huffing, slouching, or hanging your head. Stand tall, make eye contact, and show respect with your posture and expressions.
20. Respecting Family Members
👉 How you treat your family shows character.
💡 Tip: Speak kindly, listen without sarcasm, and show appreciation to parents and siblings. You don’t have to agree to be respectful.
21. Taking Responsibility
👉 Owning your mistakes earns more respect than excuses.
💡 Tip: If you mess up, admit it, fix it, and learn from it. Integrity matters more than perfection.
✨ Bonus:
How You Smell Matters
👉 Good hygiene shows respect for yourself and others.
💡 Tip: Shower regularly, use deodorant, brush your teeth, and keep clothes clean. Too much cologne or perfume can be just as bad as none at all!
Watch Your Language
👉 The words you use reflect your maturity and self-control.
💡 Tip: Avoid profanity and harsh words—they can make you seem careless or disrespectful. Choose words that lift people up, not tear them down.