Dear Shidia,

Cyber sex is a form of outercourse. It involves sharing erotic fantasies with a partner in a private chat room on the Internet. Some people may masturbate (touch their own sex organs for pleasure) while they participate in cyber sex.

Outercourse is sex play that doesn't include vaginal intercourse. It can include massage, body rubbing, and using sex toys. It's nearly 100 percent effective against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, as long as no body fluids are exchanged.

For your protection, it's important not to reveal personal information online. Most people in chat rooms aren't who they claim to be. And online predators can use any and all personal information to their advantage. So, here are a few safety tips:

• keep your identity anonymous
• use screen name that doesn't reveal your gender
• politely excuse yourself from any chats that make you feel uncomfortable

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.