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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Can we have a discussion about online safety?

41 replies

MmeLindor · 30/01/2014 13:17

Its not really a thread about a thread about a thread, and please don't turn it into a bunfight but I think it has to be said.

  1. You don't know who the person on the other side of the screen is. I might be a naice middle-aged mum from Scotland. I might be a hairy-handed trucker from Milnathorpe. You don't know for sure.
  1. No one on here can 100% vouch for another poster. We can say 'I've met that person in RL and she seemed fine/genuine/luffly' and we can say 'I've conversed for several years with this person online and as far as I know she is a real person'. We cannot say for sure.
  1. MNHQ cannot vouch for a poster. They are not the FBI, they have no special powers to snoop around (even if they had the time to do this).
  1. For this reason, do not EVER arrange to meet a poster from MN at their home, your home or in a secluded location. It should go without saying.

These are basic internet security tips. The kind that we give to our kids. I would really like if MNHQ would comment/add their own tips.

OP posts:
ArtexMonkey · 30/01/2014 15:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DrankSangriaInThePark · 30/01/2014 15:09

Yes yes and yes.

Rooners · 30/01/2014 14:13

exactly

It HAS stopped people getting so personally involved, so physically involved if you like

I remember before they started that and it was very frequent that people would have a whip round.

Not good

Original poster
MmeLindor · 30/01/2014 14:10

Yes, Rooners. In the way that they post when people start talking of paypal-ing the OMG-I'veNoFoodInTheHouseAndMyChildBenefitHasn'tComeThroughTrolls

OP posts:
Rooners · 30/01/2014 14:09

maintain sorry

blame the baby, he's trying to get my chocolate

Rooners · 30/01/2014 14:08

I think it would send a useful signal if they posted on threads which were turning that way.

It would be a sort of 'policy' statement if you like. So people didn't feel bad if they didn't want to get personally involved.

I may be criticised for saying that but I think it's important we main tain a boundary in that respect.

WorraLiberty · 30/01/2014 13:58

Perhaps MNHQ could get together with Refuge and Women's Aid to work out an appropriate response, and how they think posters should proceed.

I think that's a fantastic idea.

It's difficult for HQ because they don't have our addresses. On other forums where the moderators do (ebay for example) I've seen people post about taking overdoses and help has been sent.

Ubik1 · 30/01/2014 13:55

It does amaze me that people aren't more careful

Maryz · 30/01/2014 13:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ubik1 · 30/01/2014 13:48

HQ does pop up with health warnings about this but if it is happening more frequently then perhaps there needs to be something more explicit.. where/when would it appear?

PetiteRaleuse · 30/01/2014 13:39

Well said MmeL

Original poster
MmeLindor · 30/01/2014 13:37

Ubik
I feel it needs open discussion and a clear response from MNHQ.

And yes, we are all adults, but many of us are responsible not just for ourselves, but for the others in our lives.

There is a risk of a thread going a bit postal, and people falling over themselves to help, which could lead to a dangerous situation.

OP posts:
CatAmongThePigeons · 30/01/2014 13:35

People do need reminders to stay safe online, people are not always who they say they they are.

Ubik1 · 30/01/2014 13:30

OOh brave MmeLindor

I do agree to some extent - but really it shouldn't need saying and posters are all adults in charge of their lives. Mumsnet is not Mummy.

ginslinger · 30/01/2014 13:28

Exercise common sense. Well said Mmme

Original poster
MmeLindor · 30/01/2014 13:25

And perhaps we could also have a discussion of a kind of MN protocol when there is a thread about someone trying to escape domestic violence.

I totally understand people wanting to help, but this shouldn't be at the expense of putting others in danger.

Could we have a standard post from MNHQ on such threads advising people to be cautious? Perhaps MNHQ could get together with Refuge and Women's Aid to work out an appropriate response, and how they think posters should proceed.

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