Chatting safely with strangers: 10 habits that work

Protect your information

1. Use a nickname that does not reveal your real name, your city or your date of birth.
2. Never give your phone number, address, school or workplace to someone you have just met.
3. Do not reuse a nickname or a password from your other accounts.
4. Do not share photos, documents or anything you would not want to see elsewhere.

Spot the warning signs

1. Someone asks for money, gift cards or an urgent favour. Stop the conversation.
2. Someone is in a hurry to move to another app or to share links. Stay in the chat, where moderation applies.
3. Someone gets too personal, too quickly, or pushes you after you said no.
4. Someone flatters you intensely right away or asks you to keep a secret.

Know your tools

1. Block anyone who bothers you. They will not see your messages and you will not see theirs.
2. Report behaviour that breaks the rules. In a room, three reports from different people remove a member automatically, and the moderation team reviews serious cases.

Look after yourself

1. Leave whenever you want. Pressing Next room is always fine.
2. Take a break if a conversation affects you. Nothing online is urgent.
3. Talk to someone you trust if something bothers you, and ask for help if you feel in danger.

Questions

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