Meeting safely, staying healthy
Casual should still be safe. Simple rules, and who to call if you need help.
Tell a friend
Tell someone you trust where you're going and who you're meeting. Check in with them before, during and after. It's simple and it works.
Source: Suzy Lamplugh Trust: Personal safety and online dating
Meet in public first
Make your first meeting somewhere public, like a bar or a cafe. Keep your home address and full name to yourself until you feel comfortable. You can decide on the next step later.
Source: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (Right Decisions): Online dating
Use your own transport
Make your own way there and back. That way you can leave whenever you like. Don't feel pressured to go home with anyone.
Video call first
A quick video call before you meet helps you check the chemistry, and that they're who they say they are. Anyone who keeps making excuses not to video chat is a red flag.
Trust your gut
If something feels off, it probably is. You can end a date early, and you don't owe anyone anything. Stop contact and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Look after yourself
Sexual health
Free, confidential services. Regular tests are part of casual dating done well.
Department of Health: HIV and AIDS
Official HIV information, including PrEP and PEP fact sheets. The free AIDS Helpline is 0800 012 322, and the Department's WhatsApp line is 0600 123 456.
Visit Department of Health: HIV and AIDSB-Wise
Free health information for young people aged 10 to 24, backed by the Department of Health. Covers HIV and STIs, contraception and consent, with clinic finders and WhatsApp access to loveLife counsellors.
Visit B-WiseloveLife
A South African youth health non-profit that runs peer education through schools, youth-friendly clinics and communities.
Visit loveLifeReport it
If something goes wrong
SAPS Crime Stop
Share information about a crime with the South African Police Service on 08600 10111, 24 hours a day. You can stay anonymous. For an emergency, call 10111.
Go to SAPS Crime StopYIMA by the SA Fraud Prevention Service
Report a scam online through YIMA, run by the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service. Reports are analysed and shared with law enforcement.
Go to YIMA by the SA Fraud Prevention ServiceSouthern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS)
If a scammer has your ID details, you can apply for Protective Registration to help stop fraud in your name. Contact centre: 011 867 2234.
Go to Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS)And tell us: press Report on any profile. A person on our team reads every report.