Press Releases

18 July 2008

The NSPCC is urging children to stay away from teen dating site mylol.net because of fears sex offenders may be using the site.

The NSPCC has issued the warning after finding that over 1,000 UK children - some claiming to be as young as nine - are searching for a 'date' on the website mylol.net. But the site is also attracting adults on the look out for teenagers. The oldest user says they 63 years old.

The unregulated site, which has nearly 1,700 UK users, contains disturbing content including:

• pictures of children who say they are 14, naively posing in underwear;
• evidence of adults asking children for mobile numbers and personal details;
• games where users are asked: "Would you **** me?"
  

The NSPCC is also asking parents and children to contact the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) immediately if they have concerns about activity on the site.

NSPCC policy advisor Zoe Hilton said: "Teen dating sites attract youngsters looking for an innocent summer romance over the holidays.

"We are extremely concerned that teenagers are giving out their photos and personal details on these sites in the search for a boyfriend or girlfriend. They may be unaware that adult sex offenders are around looking for a child to groom.

"Mylol.net could be a sex offender's playground. Unless it improves security and properly moderates users children should steer well clear if it.

"All social networking sites should carry clear warnings to deter young users and warn children against giving out personal details or arranging to meet someone from the site."

The NSPCC has reported the site to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).

The Society also wants to emphasise how important it is for parents and carers to talk to their children about how to stay safe online.

Safe Surfing tips for children include:

• Never use your real name in chat rooms but pick a special online nickname.
• Never tell anyone personal things about yourself or your family - such as addresses or telephone numbers or school or clubs.
• Don't send photos of yourself to strangers.
• Remember people online might not be who they say they are. Even someone saying they are young could be pretending to be an adult.
• Never respond to nasty or rude messages.
• Stop a conversation if you feel suspicious or uncomfortable about the way it is going, or if it is getting really personal.
• Be careful with email attachments or links as they might contain nasty images. Don't open a link or attachment if you don't know who sent it.
• Avoid sites meant for adults.

The NSPCC was contacted by the BBC about the site after an investigation by BBC Radio One Newsbeat.

Ends

Media office on 020 7825 2904 out of hours mobile 07976 206 625

Notes to Editors
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre is a law enforcement agency and works in both online and offline environments. NSPCC experts have been seconded to work at the centre. Full information on all areas of work as well as online safety messages and access to online reporting can be found at www.ceop.gov.uk or for children at www.thinkuknow.co.uk. For media enquiries contact CEOP Press Office on 0870 000 3434.