There have been some instances of people asking me how to react when confronted with someone on the net who is making them uncomfortable, soooo....
OK, well, as the "elder statesman" here on Bandaids I feel it's kind of my responsibilty to remind some of our younger members of some basic rules for "safe surfing", here and anywhere on the 'net.
This is not to frighten anyone, just keep everyone aware of what is out there in the world, and some of it IS dangerous.
First and foremost, NEVER EVER NEVER agree to meet anyone you met online one on one. It is NOT smart and could be VERY dangerous. You may think you "know" the person, but that 17 yr old guy your talking to could be a 45 yr old perv. Or the person that claims to be a 16 yr old girl could be a guy who is looking to "hook up". If you think you made a friend on the net, and want to meet, get your parents involved and their parents too. That way there are controls and no nasty surprises.
IF ANYONE starts "saying", typing, e-mailing or whatever, INAPPROPRIATE things, CUT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. NOBODY on any website should be asking you personal details about your life OR making sexually suggestive comments. If someone does, tell them you're going to report them, and DO IT. It's important.
DO NOT TELL A STRANGER WHERE YOU LIVE. You may think you've made a best friend, but there are times when you really have no clue who is on the other side of the keyboard. The nasty people out there typically lie about their age and many lie about gender. So PLEASE know who you're talking to.
If someone does harass you AFTER you have told them to get lost, DO NOT WASTE TIME - tell your parents, or if you don't feel comfortable telling them, tell a teacher at school, a safety officer, even a priest, minister or other clergy member. Just make sure you tell someone.
If anyone here on bandaids does anything you feel is inappropriate, tell one of the older Mods. We're here and we WILL react to protect our members.
Most of all, use COMMON SENSE. From what I see of the people here, you're a pretty intelligent bunch of kids. Use those smarts to keep yourself safe and if you have a friend who is doing something foolish, and they won't listen - TELL SOMEONE. You may piss them off but you just might prevent them from getting into SERIOUS trouble...
OK, end of "parental -type rant"...so go and have fun -
