Online safety - my shared experience - And how to stay safe. 💙💛🍭
I'd like to share something from my personal life that taught me alot when it comes to internet safety.
When I was 14 social media was new to me, I followed my friends and downloaded the same apps they did and overall we had a great time online. I was added by someone who I didnt recognise, they said they lived in the same area I did and his parents were friends with my parents. I had no reason to question this? (: So we got to talking, more and more, getting closer and friendlier and I couldnt go a day without speaking to him. After a few months of talking we agreed to finally meet up, I was really excited to finally meet him..
It turns out the guy wasnt the one in the pictures he was sending me, He recognised me straight away and started waving and calling my name.. I freaked out, luckily I got him to agree to meet in a coffee shop, and I had a few friends walking around the town who could come find me if I needed them.. I walked out called my friends and blocked the guy immediately. who knows what could've happened... I felt so stupid....
I think the moral of the story is that whilst being online is great and most of the time innocent and friendly we have to remember that sometimes people arent who they say they are... Or that what they are saying is even true... Sadly some people are great manipulators, they will come up with amazing stories about stuff that isnt true just for the attention and your sympathy.... And as a big softie I run to their aide 🤦♀️... Its important to step back look at the situation from outside your perspective and question... "Does everything seem right here"?
Heres a few rules I now live by (:
- Be careful who you trust online and remember that some online ‘friends’ are really strangers.
- Keep your personal information secret when completing your profile or chatting online (name, address, telephone number, mobile number, private email address, picture), even if people ask for this.
- Remember that you can always log out to avoid unwelcome situations, or change your screen name.
- Do not hesitate to block people you do not want to chat to.
- Think before you answer private messages.
- Take action if you think your friends are at risk.
- Learn how to keep/save a copy of the conversation in chat – this may be useful if you want to report something.
- Report people breaking the rules to the moderators.
I hope this helps wonderful people.. remember to stay safe! And keep do everything you can to keep your most personal information as close to you as possible 💙💛
Love and hugs
Mol 💙💛 xoxo
@Angelx28 @CalmingMermaid5761 @pebble7447 @sofiastardust @Imlistening01 @Jessrabbit7 @emily328 @whenitsdarklookforstars @Heather225 @Power
Wow Molly! You’re so awesome for making this amazing forum post! Thank you so so much for sharing your story here and informing people about online safety, which is so so so important! Well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
XX
- 🧜♀️
@calmingMermaid5761
Thank you Dahlia for reading it! (: I really appreciate it! 💙💛
@MollyT
Thank you for sharing this experience with the community, Molly💜💜
We often take for granted that these things will never happen to us... unfortunately, there's a variety of frauds on the internet, hiding behind a screen. Thank you for the story, and the amazing moral of it💫
@SofiaStardust
You're absoloutley right sofia! Its really sad that people cant just be genuine anymore :/ I guess it will never stop, we just have to be more aware of it.
Thank you for reading!! 💙💛
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and making this important post. Great safety tips. We never really know who is on the other side of the screen.
@Power
Thank you so much for reading and commenting power (: I really appreciate it! 💙💛
@MollyT
Such an awesome post! Thank you for reminding us that you never know what could happen and to always be safe. And also for the personal story.🧡💛
@xoBeebosBubsxo
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment beebos!! (: 💙💛
@MollyT
*high fives* You rock!
@MollyT
Oh wow. It's really amazing to see that it's your first forum post. I can relate with that feeling of excitement while creating first forum post. But you created so helpful and awesome post. You got this❤
I love your username it sounds like lollypop 😛😃
And I also follow this rules. High five 😃
I agree with you whatever you said above. We really need to be careful about online safety. There is something happened with me too but it wasn't similar as your situation but it can be difficult for anyone to deal with it for very first time.
Thank you so much for sharing this lovely.
Keep it up❤
@LovetoGod
Thank you so much Love! I really appreciate your kindess (:
yep Molly Lolly is a nickname thats stuck lmao
💙💛🍭
@MollyT
Yeah it's really cute nickname. I like it ❤
@MollyT
First of all, congratulations on making your first ever forum post! 🎊
This is an awesome, informative post!! 😊
I'm sorry for whatever you went through with that situation though! But i'm glad you've learnt things from it, and shared it with all of us, to keep safe! 💗
The internet is sometimes a dangerous place! Stay safe everyone! 
@jessrabbit7
Thank you so much Jess! (: I think its mportant to share somewhat relatable life lessons in the hopes that others dont find themselves in similar situations (:
I love the little gif at the bottom of your comment lol 😭
@jessrabbit7
Jess, I want to say that I love your profile pic. It's super duper cute 😍
@MollyT Amazing thread, Molly! I truly loved the tips you offered - we hardly know the other person and should always be careful while chatting online! Very well written! your efforts are greatly appreciated! :')
@sia1325
Thank you sia! :'D 💙💛
@MollyT
Heartiest congratulations on your first forum post, dear Molly. ❤
You have written a great informative piece regarding online safety. Thank you so much for your contribution and keeping us informed. 💙
Love,
- Angel
Thank you so much for the kind words Angel! 🥰💙💛
@MollyT Thank you. Personal experiences are so empowering.
@MollyT
Thank you so much for sharing this, Molly! Especially young teens like us need to know about this <3
This definitely helped me!
Thank you pebby-boo! Glad it helped 🥰 💙💛