Internet Safety

The increase of children on this website, as well as other social media platforms, worries me. There are way too many predators on these platforms, as well as groomers. Please protect yourself!

1. Set Boundaries

SET. BOUNDARIES. If you aren't comfortable with something, SAY IT. If someone is pressuring you, STAND YOUR GROUND AND SAY NO. I know that's easier said than done, but you cannot let anyone take advantage of you. When peer pressuring happens, it's not always how movies paint it. People are going to make this seem "normal" when it isn't. Remember your boundaries, and if they get upset, they were never your friend to begin with.

2. Never Share Personal Information

Never, and I mean NEVER, give out any personal information about yourself. This includes:

• Address
• Full Name
• School
• Phone Number
• Location

Sharing this can put YOU and your loved ones in danger. DO NOT SHARE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION, NOT EVEN WITH YOUR ONLINE BEST FRIEND (this friend can also be lying about their age). This became to normalize and can lead to doxxing or even stalking.

3. Online Predators

I'm happy to see most children on this app set boundaries on the ages that are accepted, and that is very good. But a few do not have this or state, "Older people are welcomed as long as you aren't creeps". And I have to say, if someone way older than you sends you a friend request, they are a creep. No normal adult goes out of their way to befriend children. (Please do not accept or befriend any adults. They do not have your best interest at heart!)

Grooming is an important topic, but I don't know if me copying n pasting is a good idea, so please read these articles about grooming --> Grooming: Know the Warning Signs | RAINN, Sextortion, and Learn about online grooming to support children | Internet Matters. If you think you're being groomed, talk to a trusted adult or reach out to NCMEC for support at gethelp@ncmec.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST. You are not alone.