Creative Guide for Teachers & Parents

SUBJECT & DISCUSSION IDEA #10 - Online Dating sites

Dating is tricky no matter HOW old you are, and it can be very difficult. That's why some people decide to engage in online dating. If you choose to do this, you've got to keep in mind that the Internet is:

• completely anonymous, and there is no way of really knowing who you are speaking to when you are online.

Here are some important tips that you should always keep in mind when engaging in online dating:

• Listen to your instincts. If something doesn't feel right about a person, or you get a "creepy" vibe, just stop contact.
• Be careful when giving out your personal information.
• It is a good idea to set up an anonymous email account if you wish to extend contact beyond the online dating community. This way, your personal and identifying information is kept anonymous and you'll have a much easier time stopping contact if you need to.
• If you choose to take the online into the real world, NEVER meet the person alone. If you are under 18 years of age, ask your parents before meeting with anybody you met online. Always remember: the person may not be who s/he says s/he is.

Discussion idea:

The youth privacy website from Norway illustrates how a young person could be having online dating conversations with someone who is not who they think they are. The scenario poses the question "Did you fall in love with your little brother?"