Hi there,
Its good to hear from you and I am glad youve got in touch.
Lots of people tell me about how talking to new people and talking online can be exciting and feel like an escape from things in their lives. Youve done well to tell me about this and it sounds like you know there can be risks in talking to people like you have been.
Talking to those who are older than you can be risky as it can be hard to tell when someone is not telling the truth about themselves. You do not mention how much older than you these people are but if they are adults they should know better than to become friendly with a younger person online. This can be very hard to tell when you talk to someone online. Online safety is really important for everyone and it is important not to give out any information about yourself like your name, age where you live, phone number/email address etc. If you have already given out any information like this, I think you should tell someone you trust about that.
Thinkyouknow is a really good website with information for all ages about online safely. The ChildLine website also has information on the online and mobile safety page.
I can hear how things in your life at the moment are really difficult. Lots of young people say that talking to someone about their feelings can help. Often family and friends are people who can offer support. I know its the summer now but teachers can also be a good support for young people.
Sometimes it can be difficult to talk to the people were close to. For this reason people tell me they find it easier to talk to someone like a ChildLine counsellor. A ChildLine counsellor is also someone you could talk over your feeling with. ChildLine counsellors dont judge and would be able to keep what youve said to me confidential.
You can get in touch with a ChildLine counsellor through the TALK section of the website. You email them, or log on for a 1-2-1 chat (like instant messenger) or you can call us on 0800 1111.Calls are free and won't show up on any phone bills.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.
