Meeting people through social media or dating apps can be a fun and exciting way of making new friends, or even starting a romantic relationship. Sometimes, people who have gotten to know each other online might decide to meet in person. While this can be a positive experience and can help you get to know the person better. But sometimes, it is unsafe and not a good idea. 

There are risks to consider to make sure you stay safe, so here are some easy steps to make your decision easier and experience safer!

Step 1: Are they who they say they are?

While it may feel like you know someone you’ve met online well and that you’re really close with them, there are risks that come with online relationships because you’re talking to someone you don’t know in real life. It can be difficult to know if everything the other person is saying is true, for instance, details like their age and the profile picture they might be using.

 If they are lying about their identity this is known as Catfishing, and it can be pretty dangerous. Some people intentionally lie about their identity to meet up with you. Here are some tips to avoid being catfished. 

Taking steps to make sure someone is who they say they are doesn’t make your feelings less real or important or make you suspicious. It just means that you want to be as informed as possible about the decisions you make about your relationships – in the online and real world!

Tip!

Getting some online face-time with the other person before you meet up is a really good idea and can help ensure you know who you’re really speaking to. Video chatting via Skype, Facetime, or Messenger video are easy (and free) ways of speaking with the other person face-to-face and can also help you see how you interact in a more personable way.

If the other person refuses or avoids taking this step, this might be a warning sign that they are not who they say they are. Becoming friends on other social networks like Instagram or exchanging Snapchat can also help you better understand who the other person is, although these can’t always be trusted as proof that they are not deceiving you.

Step 2: To meet or not to meet?

Whether you decide to meet up with someone you’ve met online is entirely up to you. Not everyone who meets online ends up meeting face to face. Sometimes it’s just not practical or maybe you live too far apart and can’t afford the transport. Other times you might feel satisfied with the relationship you already have and would rather stay in contact online. This is completely fine and doesn’t lessen the relationship you have with the other person or make your feelings for them less real.

No pressure.

No one should feel pressured to meet up with someone they’ve met online. If you’re feeling uncomfortable about plans to meet up, that might be a sign that it’s not a good idea. Letting the other person know if you are feeling pressured or uncomfortable about meeting up can be an important way of getting to know what the other person’s expectations are for the relationship. A respectful friend or partner will be understanding and won’t try to convince you or pressure you to meet.

If you’ve decided to meet up – follow the next four steps to make sure your meet-up is as safe as it can be!

Step 3: Meet in public and during the day

The first time you meet someone you’ve met online, it’s absolutely important that you arrange to meet in a public place you are both familiar with and where you know there are lots of people around. 

Shopping centres or cafés are places where you can meet and get to know each other in a safe and comfortable environment. Meeting in a public place can also help relieve some of the ‘first date’ awkwardness you might experience the first time you meet someone in person, so it’s always the best option!

Step 4: Take a friend or group of friends with you

Taking a trusted friend or a few friends with you is a good idea. They don’t have to join you on your date, but having people you know nearby can make you feel more comfortable and make sure you’re safe if anything goes wrong.

Having a friend wait with you for the other person is a really good idea, and if the person cares about getting to know you they won’t mind meeting your friend. Your friend can hang around in the area of the date (like in the shopping centre or at a nearby cafe), so if things turn sour you have someone you trust nearby.

Step 5: Let someone know who you’re meeting and where you’re going

Make sure to let a trusted friend or adult know where you’re going and who you’re meeting. If you don’t want to tell your parents that you’re meeting up with someone you’ve met online just letting them know your location can be a good idea. You could also tell a friend, sibling, or someone else you trust.

Tip!

Location and duration – two key factors to keeping you safe. Having someone know where you are and how long you will be there is a good idea!

Step 6: During and after the meeting

So, finally, you meet and… Relief. There is no drastic difference between them and their online photos and they’re not balding or at retirement age. Things seem to be going well and you’re feeling pretty good about it. Still, there are a few things to make sure you think about while you’re on your date or meeting to ensure you stay safe and comfortable:

• Never get into a car with the person, no matter how well the meeting might be going
• Stick to your meeting place; don’t go somewhere unfamiliar or far from where you arranged to meet
• Keep your phone close-by so that you can easily call or text a friend or family member if you need help
• Arrange a place nearby where you can meet with a friend after your date or meeting

Online dating and connecting is a great way to expand your community and relationships, but it is important to understand the risks. Following these steps is a great way to make sure you are safe!

Reach out 

If you are feeling unsafe at all – it is important to reach out to a trusted adult. 

• If you’re unsure who to ask for help call Kids Helpline and speak to one of their counsellors. 
• You can call 13 YARN for First Nations Peoples on 139276
• There is also ReachOut for young people under the age of 25