MEET ME
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MINIMUM AGE: 18+
WHAT IS IT? MeetMe is a social networking and live-streaming app designed to help users meet and chat with new people locally or around the world. The platform includes features such as text and video chat, livestreaming, and profile matching to help users connect based on shared interests. While it promotes making friends and social connections, interactions often take place between people who do not already know each other. The app is rated 18+ in app stores, but as with many platforms, age checks may rely on self-declaration, meaning younger users could potentially access the service. WHAT WE SAY? Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content MeetMe’s community guidelines prohibit adult content, graphic violence, and other explicit material, and the platform uses moderation and reporting systems to enforce these rules. However, because users can communicate with strangers through chat and livestreaming, there remains a possibility of encountering inappropriate conversations or content if guidelines are not followed. 🔐 Privacy Concerns MeetMe prohibits sharing private or personally identifiable information without consent and uses moderation processes to review reported content. However, because the platform involves profiles, messaging, and livestreaming, users may still share personal details or interact with people they do not know, so it’s important to review privacy settings and encourage careful sharing online. 📱 Predatory Behaviour & Grooming MeetMe’s policies strictly prohibit sexual exploitation, harassment, and any behaviour that endangers minors. The platform provides reporting tools and moderation, but because users can connect with people nearby or around the world, there is still a risk of unwanted contact or inappropriate conversations, particularly if age restrictions are bypassed. 🚨 Sexual & Adult Content Adult and sexually explicit content is not allowed under MeetMe’s guidelines, including nudity, sexual acts, or sexually suggestive behaviour. However, because livestreaming and real-time interactions are core features, users may still encounter inappropriate behaviour if rules are not followed, so awareness and reporting are important. 🧑💻 Misinformation & Scams MeetMe prohibits impersonation, fraud, spam, and misleading behaviour, and encourages users to report suspicious activity. As with many social platforms, users may still encounter fake profiles or scams, so it’s important to be cautious when interacting with unknown people or sharing information. 🚨 Sextortion and Exploitation Risks The platform bans exploitation, blackmail, and abusive conduct, including sharing or threatening to share private content. However, because users can communicate privately and build relationships online, there remains a risk of manipulation or pressure to share personal content, so young people should be encouraged to report concerns immediately. 🧠 Mental Health & Self-Esteem Issues Interactions on social and livestreaming platforms can sometimes include negative comments, rejection, or uncomfortable experiences, which may affect confidence or emotional wellbeing. Encouraging open conversations and helping young people manage their online experiences can help reduce potential harm. ⚠️ Live Streaming & Real-Time Risks MeetMe’s Live feature allows users to broadcast and interact in real time, including chatting, gifting, and audience engagement. While moderation and reporting systems are in place, live interactions can still carry risks such as unwanted contact or inappropriate behaviour, so users should be mindful about what they share. 🔓 No Effective Age Verification MeetMe’s guidelines prohibit minors from appearing in content and include protections against child exploitation. However, as with many online platforms, age checks may rely on user-provided information, so parental awareness and supervision are important. ❌ Location and Nearby FeaturesMeetMe allows users to discover and connect with people nearby, using general location information to support this feature. While the platform does not publicly display precise location details, sharing approximate location can still increase contact from nearby users, so it’s important to consider privacy settings and personal safety. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
🛡️ MeetMe Community Guidelines found here. 📲 Understand the app - Familiarise yourself with the platforms features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧 Parental supervision - Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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