Keep it simple!

When you visit a chat room, it is a good idea to sign in/log in with a nickname, when you’re chatting make sure you don’t give out you real full name, your email address, your age, your phone number, where you live, your school, whether you are a boy or a girl, and don’t send out a picture of yourself. It is best to keep info like this to yourself, as you never know who might be in the forums, and who can see your details.

Signing up

This website is for children and young people.

Be Aware

You cant always be 100% sure that people of your age are in the forums. There could be an adult trying to pretend to be around your age, trying to trick you or wind you up. Chat Safely!

Something bugging you?

If something is worrying you leave the forum straight away and report it to COAP, also let someone else know. Save any conversations with the date, day and time it happened, that you think could prove someone has been making you feel uncomfortable, worried or upset. To report something to COAP visit emma@coap.co.uk.

Thinking of meeting someone?

NEVER arrange to meet anyone in the real world who you have met online, unless your parent/carer agrees and comes with you. If your parent/carer does agree and comes with you, never arrange to meet at your online friend at their house or yours. Meet in a public place like a shopping centre, or café; it’s safer.

No time for bad manners?

Report bad-taste and bad-attitude messages in the forums to your parent/carer and let COAP know by emailing emma@coap.co.uk.

Not using your computer to visit COAP!

If you visit COAP on a mobile phone or games console remember the same internet safety rules apply.

Private passwords

Keep all passwords you use on the computer PRIVATE, keep them to yourself.

Email Nasties!

Viruses can spread through email attachments, causing serious damage or even destroy your computer. Make sure the emails are from people you know and trust before opening them. Even this does not necessarily mean your computer is safe, so if you are not sure, scan it for viruses first or bin it.