Online Teen Dating Dangers

Online teen dating falls into two categories. First, there are those people you meet through Facebook, chat and other social-networking sites. Then there are dating sites for teens, some that require a teen to be 18 years old to sign up, and some that do not have an age limit or have a very low one. If you're using one of these dating services for teens, you may think that you're safer than if you simply meet someone online. That's a dangerous thought that could put you in a scary situation.

Who Are You?
Just as with adult online dating sites, there are dangers involved with teen dating sites. Dishonest adults or older teens can sign up for these sites and lie about their ages to get access to young people. Dishonest people will lie about their ages to make you feel comfortable. These people will talk you into meeting that could lead to kidnapping, rape or even murder.

No matter how well you think you know someone, remember that all you're seeing are words and pictures on a screen. Even phone conversations can't tell you if a person is dangerous. Predators know what to say to win your trust. Don't assume that the danger is limited to girls, either.

It's best to have your first dating experiences with someone you know well, either from school or your neighborhood. Think of these as training dates, where you're learning how to behave and handle yourself in different situations. If you feel you must use a teen dating site, get your parent's permission first. Let your parents know which site you will be using, and stick to that site.

Online Dating Safety Tips

• Do not put up any provocative pictures of yourself. This includes pictures showing a lot of skin and pictures of sexy poses. You're sending a dangerous message with these types of images, and you're inviting attention from predators.
• Meet for the first time in a public place. Shopping malls, coffee shops and public parks are all good. Never offer to meet someone at home or in an office, and don't get into a car on the first date. If you're under 18, have a parent drop you off and give your date a once over. If your parents cannot be present, bring along some friends and make it a double or a triple date. 
• Keep other friends around. If you plan to date the person again, bring other friends on your dates for at least three or four times before you go out alone with this person. Invite your date's parents to meet your parents, or go with a group to the beach or a movie. Don't go out alone until you, your friends and your parents are all comfortable with the idea.
• Stay in control. Don't let your date change plans or take you anywhere unless you've got a group with you. If you or your friends feel in any way intimidated by your date, stay in places where you feel safe.
• Have a ready excuse to end your date. If things start getting uncomfortable, it's time to go. You can say you're not feeling well, or you can have a friend call you an hour into your date with a pretend emergency. You can even do the rude thing and simply walk away. The important thing is to get yourself away from an uncomfortable situation as quickly as possible. If your date really cares about you, you'll be able to tell this person that you were scared once you're safely at home.