You can send private messages (PMs) to your friends via the forum. There are a couple of easy ways to start a PM.

• Click on My Controls towards the top right of any page, then on Compose New Message;
• Click on a member's username next to one of their posts to see their profile, then click on "Personal Message"

If you used the first method you will need to fill in the name of the person to whom you are writing, either by choosing a name from your address book, or by typing it in. The rest of the page is similar to that for an ordinary forum post.

You will be sent an e-mail by the site when a PM is sent to you. If you don't want to receive these e-mails you can turn them off if you go to your control panel and click on "Email Settings" under "Options" in the series of links to the left. Under "Board Preferences" uncheck the box next to Send a confirmation email when I receive a new private message.

When you log in to the site after receiving a PM you may see a pop-up window announcing the new message. Even if you don't see a pop-up, you will see "1 (or 2 etc) New Messages" at the top right, next to the "My Controls" link. Click on the "New Messages" link and you will see the message(s).

If you don't see a pop-up message you may have a pop-up blocker installed. Many blockers have an option to "Always allow pop-ups from this site" or similar, and it would be a good idea to use this option if possible. I promise we won't ever use pop-ups for advertising! If you don't want pop-ups to appear go to your control panel and click on "Board Settings". Under "Board Display Settings" change the answer to "Do you wish to get a pop up notification when you get a new private message?" from "Yes" to "No".

In your control panel there is also a link to your PM buddies/Block list. Here you can add your friends' names to your address book, or, if someone keeps bothering you by sending unwanted PMs, you can refuse to accept them by adding their name here.

If you receive a PM asking you for personal information, such as your home address or phone number, or containing a message that makes you uncomfortable, tell your parents or a teacher, and let the Administrator know about it by PM. See also this thread for more safety tips.

dont tell them your name or addresse unlesse u are certian they are who u think they are

No-one should ask you for your name and address, so if someone does, you can be fairly sure that they are up to no good. You should tell your parents or a teacher immediately. Never to give out your address at all is the best advice.

See CW's Safety Tips.

I would never tell anyone that I have just met, my adress anyway.