Grief etiquette in the digital age: Why waiting, listening, and respecting family wishes matters more than ever
Grief etiquette in the digital age: Why waiting, listening, and respecting family wishes matters more than ever
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) - Remembering a Life; by Dr. Camelia L. Clarke; 10/2/25
When my nephew died unexpectedly, I was still reeling from the news when my phone began to buzz with notifications. Within an hour, his death was already circulating on social media. The world had found out before our family had even begun to process the loss, let alone notify our closest friends and relatives. I remember feeling overwhelmed, exposed, and, most of all, heartbroken—not just by the loss itself, but by how quickly and impersonally it became public knowledge. As a funeral director and grief educator for nearly thirty years, I’ve witnessed this scenario unfold countless times.
- Why Grief Etiquette Matters More Than Ever ...
- Let the Family Lead ...
- Compassion Before Clicks ...
- Practical Tips for Supporting Grieving Friends and Family ...
- Resources for Navigating Loss ...
Editor's Note: Long before social media, my family experienced how devastating it can be to have no ownership of how a loved one’s death is shared. When my grandfather’s car was hit by an 18-wheeler, the news of his death—with his name—aired on TV before my mother—his daughter and nearby emergency contact—was even notified. Dr. Camelia Clarke’s piece is a powerful reminder that grief etiquette isn’t just about manners; it’s about compassion, timing, and allowing families the space to process loss before the world steps in. I share with you this easy-to-remember-and-use teaching tool I've used with families:
