First date safety checklist

Before you agree to meet

Allow enough conversation to understand the basic plan and look for consistent, respectful behaviour. A video call can add context but is not required and does not guarantee safety. If pressure replaces mutual planning, postpone or decline.

Choose a public place and time

Select a familiar, staffed venue with other people around. A daytime or early-evening meeting may make transport easier. Avoid a first meeting at either person’s home or in an isolated place, and do not share your home address for collection.

Control your transport and essentials

Plan how you will arrive and leave without depending on the other person. Keep your phone charged, carry a payment method and know the final transport time. Do not leave keys, phone or documents unattended.

Tell someone you trust

Share the person’s profile, meeting place and expected check-in time with a friend. Agree on a simple message or call. Location sharing can be useful when chosen freely, but it should go to a trusted contact—not automatically to a new date.

Keep food, drink and boundaries in view

Do not leave a drink unattended or accept substances that reduce your ability to decide. Consent remains specific and reversible throughout the date. You can change your mind about the next venue, physical contact or continuing the meeting.

Leave if something feels wrong

You do not need to justify leaving. Ask venue staff for help, contact a friend or use local emergency services if needed. Afterward, save relevant evidence and use block or report tools if the person threatened, harassed or deceived you.

• Public, staffed location
• Independent transport
• Charged phone and check-in plan
• Control of food and drink
• Clear exit option

What to carry and what to share

Take only the essentials you normally control: a charged phone, keys, a payment method and any medication you need. Keep the venue, expected finish and profile details with a trusted contact, but do not publish the plan widely.

• Venue address and opening hours checked
• Outbound and return transport planned
• Trusted contact and check-in time agreed
• Emergency contact available from the lock screen
• Simple reason and route to leave identified

If plans suddenly change to a private or isolated place, you can decline. The other person’s disappointment is not more important than your control of the meeting.