Online flirting
Monday 15 September 2008
Do you chat with people you don't know online? Though it can be harmless fun, you should always keep your guard up. n2k runs down how to stay safe online.
About you
Never share personal information with a stranger. Think of a cool screen name instead and use it to introduce yourself to new people.
It may seem obvious, but never give away your address or even the name of your school or any local clubs that you go to as this is all an indication of where you live.
Be yourself
Never lie about your age or try to sound like someone you’re not – you’ll attract the wrong crowd and the wrong sort of conversation too.
Bonding
You can break the ice by asking some simple questions. Try talking about hobbies, music, food – anything that’s not too personal.
Profile pic
Why not be different and upload a pic of your favourite band, something to do with one of your hobbies or even something artistic – these kinds of pictures are always appreciated!
Chat safe
When you talk to someone online, it’s easy to believe that you know them well. Be careful though - you’re only going by words you see on a screen and who knows whether they’re telling the truth?
If the person is making you feel uncomfortable then exit the conversation and block them straight away!
Check out some more ways to stay in control of your conversations.
Privacy
Do you get unwelcomed wall posts on your social networking page? One of the best ways to avoid this is by changing your privacy settings. Most sites offer this and it’s really easy to do.
Once you set it to private, then the only way people can get in contact with you is by adding you as a friend or sending you a message. If you like the sound of the messenger then you can choose to reply or delete it!
Pictures
Remember, people who you talk to or accept as friends can see your pictures. Never pose in an inappropriate way – think about the message you’re sending - do you really want strangers to look at you in the way you are portraying?
Keep your pictures simple but interesting. Upload ones that say something about you and what you’re into.
Also, never feel forced to send a picture to someone you met in a chat room - get to know them first!
Meeting up
NSPCC have found that three in four children who arrange to meet someone they met online go alone or with a friend. Don’t take this risk!
If you do decide to meet meet up, then follow these safe steps:
- Bring an adult along, or if you’re determined to do this alone, then at least tell someone exactly where you will be and when. Also, give someone the details of the person you’re meeting – even if it’s just an email address.
- Always meet up during the day and in a public space – restaurants and cafes are always best. Never go to their house or let them go to yours.
- Take note of any weird things they say or do and think about whether you really want this person in your life.
- Plan a getaway if things go wrong – get a friend to call you 15 minutes into the meeting and make up a lie if you have to.
- Be yourself!
Always remember that people might not be who they say they are. The Internet is a great invention, but it’s one that tolerates a lot of bad behaviour!
