How to stay safe online

Chatting on the internet is a good way of finding information and support and is a great way of making friends.

It does pay to be cautious, however. Although you may feel comfortable with the group of friends you've made, you should always remember that anyone can read what you post online.

Here are some simple steps to help you to stay safe online:

• Don't use your surname in your member name, or use any other details that could personally identify you or your children. If you wish to create a new member name you can do so here.
  
  
• Keep personal details personal. Thousands of people read the message boards but never post. If you post lots of details about your life, work or town then people may be able to piece together a picture of who and where you are.
  
  
• Use the Member to Member email service in your board settings if you wish to take your friendships further. Do not post your home address, email address, IM details or your telephone numbers on the boards as they might be seen by people who you'd rather not see them (including people who send spam). iVillage reserves the right to remove posts containing the above information if it feels it is necessary.
  
  
• If you decide to meet up with friends from the internet, take sensible precautions. Meet in a public place, take a friend with you and make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.

  Work out how you will get home before you leave the house and take a map of the local area and the number of a reputable cab company with you. Never arrange to meet anyone if you are under 16.
  
  

• When posting on our message boards treat other members with respect. You may not always agree with the opinions or advice you are given but we ask that you challenge the opinion and not the poster. For more information about how to behave online please read our Rules of play and Message Board Dos & Don'ts.