DS (17) wants to visit gf in Rio. WWYD?

[IndridCold]

A year ago DS met a Brazilian girl, through a friend of his, since then they have kept in touch via Skype. They obviously get on well and he refers to her as his gf.

We met her in the summer, when she came to London with her family, but now they are hatching up a plan for him to go to Rio at Easter for a week. The plan is for him to stay with her family.

I am really not sure that this is a good idea, and don't want him to go, but I'm not sure if IABU. We live in the sticks, so he is not at all streetwise even in UK terms and Rio is not the safest city in the world.

Can you say you really know someone if most of your friendship has been on Skype, what if they fall out? Rio is so far away.

I have many other concerns too.

I know you have to let them grow up and become independent, but this seems such a massive step. I would welcome some sensible mumsnet opinions please! Am I being an over-protective cow, or a sensible to just say no?

I'd Skype gf's parents and take it from there.

Ganoush you have totally picked up on the things that I'm really worried about. Nothing big in themselves, but quite major if it's your first time travelling independently.

As I said upthread, our Brazilian friend has advised against it even though she is sending her own daughter there for a gap year. However, she is 4 years older, has family out there, has been many times before and is fluent in the language.

Still thinking about it, but have welcomed all your comments.