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
Your GP, a sexual health clinic or a community health centre can test you. Regular tests are part of casual dating done well.
Your GP or a sexual health clinic
In Australia you can get an STI test from your regular doctor, a sexual health clinic or a community health centre.
Visit Your GP or a sexual health clinicHealthdirect clinic finder
The Australian Government health site links to the Healthdirect finder for sexual health clinics near you.
Visit Healthdirect clinic finderReport it
If something goes wrong
Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre)
Report any scam to Scamwatch, whether or not you lost money or personal details.
Go to Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre)ReportCyber
Report cybercrime such as blackmail or hacked accounts through ReportCyber. Reports go to your state or territory police, and you can report anonymously.
Go to ReportCyberScamwatch dating advice
Do a reverse image search on profile photos, never send money to someone you have only met online, and be wary of anyone who can never meet.
Go to Scamwatch dating adviceAnd tell us: press Report on any profile. A person on our team reads every report.