Talking to strangers online: keeping a healthy distance

The web lets you meet people everywhere, around shared passions. That's a beautiful thing. But behind a screen, nobody has to be who they claim, and some take advantage of that. Caution takes nothing away from the fun.

The signs that should alert you

Someone who rushes to move to private chat, asks you to keep secrets, pushes for photos or to meet alone, showers you with compliments too fast: these are red flags. A real friend respects your pace and your limits.

Never share your address, your school, your schedule or very personal info with someone you only know through a screen. Those details, put together, can help someone locate you in real life.

Trust your gut

If a conversation makes you uncomfortable, you have every right to cut it off, block and report, without explaining yourself. And if someone crosses the line, talk to a trusted adult or a support service: that's always the right response.