penpalSafety Tips & Event Etiquette
Meeting new people is great. These tips help you do it safely and kindly.
Before you meet
- Chat in the app first. Get a feel for the person before you make plans.
- Check their profile and photos. If anything feels off, trust your gut and skip it.
- Keep personal details private at first: your home address, workplace, finances and daily routine.
- Never send money or share passwords, codes or financial details with someone you haven't met.
When you meet
- Meet in a public place with other people around, like a café, park or busy venue.
- Tell a friend where you're going, who you're meeting and when you expect to be back.
- Arrange your own way there and back. Don't accept a ride from someone you've just met.
- Keep an eye on your drink and your belongings.
- You can leave at any time, for any reason. You don't owe anyone an explanation.
Group activities
- Activity pins show the spot the host chose. Treat it as public, and arrive and leave with others when you can.
- Hosts: pick a public place, state the plan clearly, and approve people you feel comfortable with.
- Private activities need the host's approval. Never share the exact spot with people who haven't joined.
Event etiquette
- Be on time, or let the group know in the chat if you're running late or can't make it.
- If you say you're coming, show up. If plans change, update the chat.
- Be welcoming. Include newcomers, share the conversation and keep your phone mostly in your pocket.
- Respect everyone's boundaries, comfort level and budget. Split bills fairly.
- Leave the place as you found it.
If something goes wrong
- If you feel unsafe, leave and get somewhere safe. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
- Block and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable, from their profile or the chat. We take every report seriously.
- You can also tell us what happened from Settings > Report an Issue.