It’s impossible to know if someone you meet online is genuine or a fake. Here are CEOP’S top five things to look out for while chatting online:
Too good to be true?
Do they like all the same things as you and give you loads of attention? Are they really nice about things you post like photos? We all like attention and it’s great to meet people who like similar things but remember some people use the internet to make friends with young people and then abuse their trust. If you think someone might not be who they say they are tell an adult you trust or report to CEOP.
Giving presents and making promises
Do they make promises or offer you gifts if you will do things for them? Giving gifts and making promises can be a way of putting pressure on you. If you feel under pressure to do something you don’t want to do, you might be chatting to someone unsafe and should talk to an adult you trust.
Putting you under pressure
Do they try to talk about things you’re not comfortable with, like sex? Do they ask for pictures of you that you wouldn’t share with your mum or your teacher? It’s wrong for anyone to put pressure on you to do things you’d be embarrassed about or don’t want to do. If anyone puts any pressure on you or makes you feel uncomfortable you should tell an adult you trust or report to CEOP.