<p>I've never met in person anyone I've met online, but I've talked on the phone with a few people. I think that's the best "second step". Talk on the phone (I'd say several times) before meeting - give the other person a cell as opposed to your home phone so you can change the number if necessary. Or better yet, use a pay phone the first time.</p>
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As a mom, I would NEVER EVER let my daughter go meet someone she met ONLY on line</p>
<p>If she REALLY wanted to meet the person, it would be with me and her dad and the dogs and his parents or not at all
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<p>I suppose that's justifiable if your daughter's still in HS, but I think there comes a point when people need to be able to trust their own judgment. Picking up some random guy at a local bar seems no safer (if not more dangerous) than meeting someone you've met online, had lengthy discussions with, have talked to on the phone etc. Parents are forced to trust their kids to make good decisions (using good judgment) about who to hang out with in college (and many choose to trust their kids in HS). Isn't it hypocritical to not trust online friend-making?</p>