What is the name of the Wikipedia guideline that advises against scaring off new editors?

The Wikipedia guideline that advises against scaring off new editors is “Please do not bite the newcomers.” It is a behavioral guideline encouraging experienced editors to treat beginners with patience, kindness and respect.

The “bite” is metaphorical: hostile replies, abrupt reverts, jargon-heavy warnings or overly harsh criticism can make useful contributors leave before they learn Wikipedia’s systems. The guideline notes that many experienced editors began with test edits, unsourced material or unfamiliarity with Wikipedia’s markup and policies.

Its practical advice includes improving rather than simply removing a newcomer’s work, assuming good faith, explaining reverts, avoiding disparaging labels and offering personalized guidance. “Assume good faith” is closely related, but it is a broader principle; the distinctive title and canonical answer are “Please do not bite the newcomers.”