Respectful Communication
Engage in respectful and constructive communication. Avoid using offensive, harmful, or discriminatory language. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Protect Your Privacy
Do not share sensitive personal information such as:
- Your full name, home address, school, or phone number.
- Financial details like bank account or credit card numbers.
- Passwords or security credentials.
If You're Under 18
DearStranger is open to pen pals aged 13 and up, and you'll be writing to people you've never met. A few extra rules for younger users:
- Never agree to meet a pen pal in person, and never share your address, school name, or phone number.
- Be wary of anyone who asks a lot of personal questions early on, pushes you to keep secrets from your parents or guardians, or asks you to move the conversation to another app.
- Talk to a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult about your pen pals, and tell them right away if anything makes you uncomfortable.
- Use the Report or Block button any time something feels wrong - you won't get in trouble for reporting.
Recognize Scams
Be alert to common scam tactics, such as:
- Requests for money or financial assistance.
- Unsolicited links or attachments.
- Promises that seem to be too good to be true.
Report Issues
If you encounter inappropriate behavior or content, use the Report or Block option on that person's profile in the app - this notifies our moderation team, and a blocked user can no longer contact you. You can also contact support at [email protected]. Accounts that violate these guidelines or our Terms of Service may be suspended or permanently banned. Your reports help us maintain a safe community.
Stay Safe Online
Follow these tips to enhance your online safety:
- Use a strong, unique password for your account.
- Be cautious when interacting with strangers, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
- Remember that anyone can misrepresent who they are online.