How Can I Keep Safe When Dating Online?

New relationships are exciting! But you need to keep a level head and keep yourself safe, especially in the early stages.

Here are some guidelines for safely dating online:

• Keep your personal details private

Don’t give your surname, phone numbers, address details or any other personal information to anyone, until you’re sure it’s safe

• Talk via phone first

If you do decide that you want to get to know someone better, then it’s a good idea to talk to them via phone before meeting them face-to-face. You can tell a lot about someone and their motives by their mannerisms over the phone. For extra security, call them from your mobile or a payphone

• Meet only when you’re ready

It’s important to only meet someone when you’re ready. Make sure that you pray before you agree to meet them. Listen out for God’s voice – if He says ‘no’, then don’t go, no matter what! Don’t let the other person pressure you into meeting if you’re simply not comfortable. Even if you do decide to meet, you have the right to change your mind at any time. If it feels wrong, then don’t go

• Tell someone where you’re going

Make sure that you tell someone where you are going, who with (include their name and as many details as possible) and what time you’ll be back. Give them permission to raise the alarm if you’re not back by the time you say

• Meet in a safe location

If you do decide to meet face-to-face, choose a safe, busy location that you’re familiar with. Coffee shops or busy cafes in the middle of town are ideal. Make sure that you arrive and depart on your own, using your own transport. Don’t accept a ride anywhere with the other person – even ‘just down to the train station’ – until you know them better

• Don’t compromise

Don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment and agree to do more than you had initially planned – especially on the first date. If you agreed to go out for a coffee, then just go out for a coffee. If the other person suggests moving on to another venue, such as to the movies or a bar, tell them ‘no’. Save it for another time. You don’t want to show him or her that you are easily persuadable

• Listen to the Holy Spirit

Listen out for the prompting of the Holy Spirit at all times. If it feels unsafe at any point, then get out and get to a safe location. Don’t feel embarrassed by your behaviour. Your safety is much more important

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