Valentine’s Day might be the season of love, but if you’re swiping your way through dating apps, staying safe should be a priority all year round. Whether you’re looking for ‘the one’ or just seeing what’s out there, a little online safety know-how can go a long way.
That’s why Netsafe, New Zealand’s online safety organisation, has teamed up with leading dating app Bumble to launch a brand-new online dating safety guide. The Guide to Safer Online Dating is packed with practical tips to help Kiwis navigate the digital dating world with confidence – because while meeting new people online can be exciting, it’s always good to keep your wits about you.
Brent Carey, CEO of Netsafe, highlights the risks that come with the territory: “The rise of online dating in New Zealand has created new opportunities to meet people, but also new challenges. This collaboration with Bumble offers Kiwis a trusted resource to help them stay safe while dating online. By providing clear, locally-relevant advice, we hope to give users the tools they need to protect themselves from harm and make informed decisions.”
The Guide to Safer Online Dating offers practical advice at every stage of the dating journey. Whether you’re new to the apps or a seasoned swiper, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you’ll find:
- How to build healthy and positive connections – because a good match should make you feel great, not stressed.
- Understanding the online dating world – including tips on setting up your profile and what to expect.
- Managing online risks – dealing with unwanted messages, romance scams and privacy concerns.
- Staying safe when meeting IRL – because that first coffee catch-up should be fun, not nerve-wracking.
- Reporting online harm and accessing support – knowing what to do if things go wrong.
Victoria University’s Dr Ally Gibson, an expert in mobile dating, supports the guide’s local focus, noting that having safety resources tailored for New Zealanders is crucial. “People need information that takes the particular context of this country into account,” Ally says. “It recognises that mobile dating doesn’t happen in a vacuum, that people aren’t on their own navigating this experience, but can draw on friends and whānau around them. People across age groups are using mobile dating apps, and can be at risk of disappointment – or worse – from other people’s behaviour. So, being able to draw on a guide like this can be really helpful in improving people’s experiences of mobile dating in the long run.”
This partnership is part of Bumble’s broader commitment to creating a safe and supportive space for online dating. Kenya Fairley, Bumble’s Associate Director of Safety Partnerships, says: “Bumble is built by women, for everyone, and safety has always been at the heart of our mission. We’re proud to partner with Netsafe to make online dating a safer, kinder space for all, and to help New Zealanders foster healthy, positive relationships both online and offline. This collaboration is an important step in providing valuable resources to the New Zealand community.”
So, whichever dating app you’re on, take a moment to check out The Guide to Safer Online Dating. Date smarter, safer and with confidence – on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Happy swiping!
