Remember that what you say in a chat room or instant messaging session is live -- you can't take it back or delete it later.

Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want the public to know — this includes your full name, your address, phone number of other personal information.

Don't get together with someone you meet in a chat room. If you must, meet in a public place and bring along some friends.

Don’t reveal your actual location or when and where you plan to hang out.

Choose a nick name that's not sexually suggestive and doesn’t give away your real name.

If someone says or does something creepy — block them and don't respond.

Just sign out if the topic turns to sex. That can often lead somewhere you don't want to go.