Safety 101

Now for some really important information.
Your safety is the most important thing to PYD. Although PYD screens all of its mentors very thoroughly, we still need you to use your best judgment. Let a PYD staff person know if your mentor says or does anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Basically, your mentor shouldn't ask you to do anything a parent wouldn't have you do.

A Word about Online Safety:

The Partners Online program enables you to connect with your mentor and other participants in the program via discussion forums, chat and mail. If you participate in this program, or any other online community, then please adhere to the following online safety guidelines:

• You should never give out personal information over the Internet. This includes your phone number, social security number, address and any other information that would reveal your identity and precise location. Corresponding via the Internet is like sending a post card; you never know who could read it.
• Exercise caution when corresponding with a stranger online; you never know who is really on the other end, so you should never share personally-identifying information. If in the future you decide to meet this person, always pick a public place and bring a friend or parent.
• If someone asks you questions you don't feel like answering, you are not obligated to answer. If they persist, politely tell them you are not comfortable giving out that information and contact the POL administrator at administrator@pyd.org, or notify a PYD staff person.
• Any form of direct or indirect personal attack or harassment is unacceptable behavior and is not tolerated. If you feel you have been subjected to any type of online bullying you should notify the POL administrator at administrator@pyd.org or contact a PYD staff person.
• Always remain alert and aware and be cautious of inappropriate behavior from anyone.

Partners Online was developed with your safety in mind. All users must be registered and you can view their profiles to determine if they are a mentor, mentee or staff-person. However, be sure to report any inappropriate behavior to the administrator.

We ask that you contact a PYD staff member if you ever feel unsafe or unsure about your mentoring relationship, or anyone you encounter through a PYD program. If you're a participant in the Mentor Match program, please contact the Mentor Match Program Coordinator. If you are a Partners Online participant, contact the Partners Online Director or Program Coordinator.