YES - CHRIS CLOKE, head of child protection awareness, NSPCC
As young people's use of social networking increases so do the potential risks they face online, such as bullying and sexual grooming. It is important that parents, as well as children, are aware of the risks they face. But the NSPCC's Don't Hide It campaign also shows how these sites can be a positive force. More than one million children were drawn to last year's campaign through social networking sites. This year Don't Hide It will again encourage them to speak out about abuse.
YES - WILL GARDNER, research and policy manager, Childnet International
Yes, but let's not forget that these sites are also a great opportunity for self-expression, connecting with others and developing web skills. There are potential risks - giving out too much personal information could lead to unwanted contact - and it is important to treat others with respect when using these sites, as posting upsetting or offensive stuff can get you into trouble. We advise people to think before they post, and to think about who they want to see their profile.
NO - BECKY HOLLOWAY, 18, Wiltshire
It's a threat but not as big as the media makes it out to be, and it is optional whether people want to use it. I don't think that the threat affects that many young people. I have a MySpace page and my friends and I use these sites all the time. The good thing about it is that it is inclusive as you don't have to call up one person in the evening. The downsides are that sometimes people stop talking to each other except online. Also if you put a photo up and someone says you look fat people can fall out over that.
NO - SHAUN KELLY, safeguarding manager, NCH
Young people can experience "unwanted attention" anywhere, such as on the street, but it's not about banning streets. There needs to be more awareness-raising of how to be safe online, such as using blocks and parental controls. Parents can view and check the sites young people have been logging onto through the logs on the computer. Young people need to be aware of what they can do if someone has put offensive material about them up on a site, such as contact the police, the site, or the Internet Watch Foundation.
