Email Etiquette Teens Should Know: How to Write Professional, Respectful Messages

Email is more than just a means of communication; it’s a professional tool that teens will utilise in school, during internships, in job applications, and even for networking. Knowing proper email etiquette is crucial for making a positive impression and ensuring your messages are read, understood, and acted upon.

Here’s a guide for teens to write professional, respectful emails. Firstly, start with a proper greeting and closing, because every email should begin with a polite greeting.

Depending on the context, use phrases like:

• Dear…

• Good Morning…

• Hello…

Starting with a proper greeting sets a professional tone and shows respect to the recipient.

Equally important is the closing of your email. Common options include:

• Sincerely,

• Thank you,

• Respectfully yours,

• Regards,

After your closing, include your full contact information: your name, phone number, and email address. This makes it easy for the reader to respond or follow up.

Identify the Subject Clearly

The subject line is the first thing your reader sees, so it needs to be clear and concise. A strong subject line helps the recipient understand the purpose of your email at a glance. Consider the following:

• If you’re requesting something: “Request for Study Materials by August 10”

• If sharing information: “Share: Community Event Details”

• For job or internship applications: “Application for Marketing Intern Position”

Avoid leaving the subject line blank. Emails without subjects are more likely to be ignored or end up in spam folders.

Watch Your Tone

Unlike face-to-face conversations, email lacks nonverbal cues such as facial expressions or gestures. This means your tone can be easily misinterpreted. To maintain professionalism:

• Avoid using all capital letters, which can be read as shouting.

• If you’re upset or emotional, wait before sending the email. Drafting your message in a calm frame of mind reduces the risk of coming across as rude or aggressive.

• Keep your language polite and respectful, even if the topic is frustrating.

Use Business Writing

Emails should be written much like a formal letter, with full sentences and paragraphs. This includes:

• Checking spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

• Avoiding abbreviations or “text speak” like “u” or “OMG”.

• Using correct word usage: their, there, they’re; too, to, two; your, you’re.

Proofreading your email before sending is essential. Taking a few extra minutes to check for errors shows professionalism and ensures your message is clear and polished.

Additional Tips

• Keep your email concise: focus on the main points without unnecessary details.

• Be polite when requesting action, using phrases like “Could you please…” or “I would appreciate if…”.

• Use paragraphs to separate ideas, making the email easier to read.

• Avoid using emojis or casual slang in professional emails.

For teenagers, mastering email etiquette is a crucial step toward effective professional communication. Clear subjects, polite greetings and closings, professional tone, and careful proofreading all contribute to emails that are respectful, effective, and taken seriously. By practicing these habits early, teens not only improve their communication skills but also make a positive impression on teachers, employers, and mentors—paving the way for academic and career success.

A well-crafted email is more than a message, it’s a reflection of your thoughtfulness, respect, and professionalism. Learning these skills now will serve you well throughout your academic, professional, and personal life.