LOOK AFTER YOURSELF ONLINE
Teen chat safety advice
A good conversation should feel comfortable. These tips help you protect your privacy, spot pressure and get support when using teen chat rooms or other social apps.
808 Teens is for ages 13–20. If you’re under 18, get permission from a parent or guardian before joining. Safety tools and community rules help, but no online service can guarantee every interaction will be safe.
Keep identifying details private
Use a username instead of your full name. Don’t share your address, school, phone number, passwords, daily routine or live location. Check photos for school badges, street signs and other clues before posting.
A profile is not proof of identity
People can use copied photos, fake ages and convincing stories. A friendly conversation, voice message or video call does not prove that someone is who they claim to be.
Assume anything can be captured
Messages, photos and calls can be copied, screenshotted or screen recorded without your knowledge. Deleting something or sending it privately does not guarantee it disappears from someone else’s device.
Your boundaries come first
You don’t owe anyone a reply, a photo or a private conversation. Be cautious if someone asks you to keep secrets, move to another app, or hide a friendship from people you trust. You can stop replying and leave.
Keep photos and conversations appropriate
Sexual content and nudity do not belong in this teen chat. Never send intimate images or pressure someone else to share them. Report requests that make you uncomfortable.
Watch for scams and suspicious links
Don’t open unexpected files, scan unknown QR codes or follow links promising prizes or free accounts. Use a unique password, and never share login codes, recovery codes or account access.
Ignore and report harmful behaviour
Use ignore and tell a moderator about bullying, harassment, sexual pressure or suspicious accounts. Include the username, date, time and message context when possible. Don’t retaliate or encourage a pile-on.
Handle evidence carefully
You can keep relevant text messages or account details to help with a report. Do not download, save or forward sexual images or videos of anyone under 18. Report the account and ask a trusted adult for help.
Don’t arrange secret meetups
Someone you know only online is still someone whose identity you cannot be sure of. Don’t share your location or agree to meet in secret. If you’re under 18, involve a parent or trusted adult.
Get help with threats or blackmail
Stop the conversation. Don’t pay, send more images or follow demands to keep quiet. Tell a trusted adult and report the account. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
Look after yourself and your account
Take breaks, log out on shared devices and keep your device updated. If chatting leaves you stressed or uncomfortable, step away. It is fine to leave a conversation without explaining why.
This website will not be held responsible for any injury, harm, or criminal charges to users who do not abide by the above rules.
Have a useful tip to add? Contact us.