Internet: Web masters

Building a web site with young people can be a daunting prospect.

It seems like such a specialised skill, and you may feel out of your depth trying to lead a group of technologically savvy teenagers. Then there's the tales of predators lurking in chatrooms.

But put those fears aside, because constructing a web site doesn't have to be difficult, and it can be a valuable experience. It gives young people a forum for expressing their views, and it's a highly creative outlet, combining text, images and interactivity.

Don't be intimidated by the assumption that young people already know it all. They may be good at finding games on the internet, but that doesn't mean they know how to build a web site. Peter Rouncefield is manager of the young people's office at Peterborough City Council. He helps co-ordinate PYPIN (www.pypin.co.uk), an online guide to life created by young people, for young people. He says it's a myth that they know lots about web sites.