Safety Tips for Meeting STAYs Online

Making friends through shared Stray Kids fandom is one of the most rewarding experiences in K-pop. But like any online interaction, it pays to be smart about safety. These guidelines help you build genuine friendships while protecting your wellbeing.

Meeting People Safely

When connecting with fellow STAYs online, start by keeping conversations on our moderated Discord server. This gives you time to get to know someone in a safe environment before sharing personal contact information. Our moderators are active STAYs themselves who understand fandom dynamics and keep the space healthy.

Never share your home address, school, or workplace with someone you’ve just met online. It’s fine to share your city or general area, but specific locations should wait until you’ve built real trust over weeks or months. If someone pressures you for personal information early on, that’s a red flag regardless of how much SKZ knowledge they have.

Photocard Trading Safety

PC trading is a huge part of STAY culture, but it’s also where scams happen most. Always use our verified trading system which requires proof photos, tracking numbers, and has a feedback system. Never send payment to unverified accounts, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Use PayPal Goods & Services or similar protected payment methods. Never send money through methods without buyer protection. Check feedback scores and ask for references before trading with someone new.

In-Person Meetup Guidelines

When you’re ready to meet STAYs in person (concerts, fan events, casual meetups), follow basic safety practices: meet in public places, tell someone where you’re going, keep your phone charged, and trust your instincts. Most STAY meetups are wonderful experiences, but taking precautions means you can relax and enjoy the experience fully.

Group meetups are ideal for first meetings. Our community regularly organizes group events where many members attend together. This takes pressure off one-on-one situations and lets you get comfortable with people in a relaxed setting.

Mental Health in Fandom

Fandom should be fun, not stressful. If you’re feeling pressured to spend money you don’t have, engage in fan wars that make you anxious, or maintain friendships that feel draining, it’s okay to step back. Healthy STAY friendships support your wellbeing, not diminish it.

Our community has designated mental health check-in channels where you can talk to supportive fellow STAYs. We also maintain a no-toxicity policy: no member bashing, no guilt-tripping about streaming numbers, and no shaming for how someone chooses to be a fan.

Additional Resources from Our Community

Our Discord server has dedicated channels for each of these topics where experienced STAYs share their knowledge and answer questions from newer members. The community has collectively developed best practices over years of experience that we freely share with anyone who joins. We believe that a well-informed community is a stronger community, and every STAY deserves access to the knowledge that makes fandom participation safer, more effective, and more enjoyable. Join us today and tap into the collective wisdom of thousands of STAYs who have been where you are now and want to help you have the best possible experience in this fandom.