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Updated 09 February 2004, 11.07 
A study has shown that fewer kids use chatrooms these days.
But out of the kids that do, more than half don't know that people in chatrooms can lie about who they really are.
But what do YOU think of chatrooms?
Is there less of a craze for them now, or have you been put off them?
Do you know the dangers, but think they're cool if you're sensible?
Or would you like to use them but you're not allowed to because they're too risky?
Unfortunately this topic is now closed but there are Comments pages on other subjects on the main Chat index.
 I think chatrooms are ok - people respond to you quicker but in messageboards sometimes it takes a whole day for a person to answer. Nyasha, 10, London
There's nothing wrong with using chat sites as long as you don't go and meet anyone. Joanna, 12, Swindon
Public chatrooms aren't unsafe, there are just a lot of annoying people in them. Message boards are a better communication medium, because they can be moderated. I also like to chat in personal chat rooms with just a few of my friends. Erik, 14, Wisconsin
MSN is the best way to go as far as chatrooms are concerned 'coz you can talk to people from school and know who they are an it's sooo much fun!! Louise, 14, Liverpool
I used to go on chatrooms but now I don't as I have heard a lot of bad things about it. As long as you don't give out personal info you will be ok. My mum stopped me and I'm glad. I just stick to msn messenger now where I can chat with peeps that actually know me so you can be safe. Naomi, 13, Oxford
I prefer messageboards. They're safer. But chatrooms can be fun as long as you don't give out any personal details, such as your mobile number. Jess, 13, London
I think that using chatrooms is fine, as long you know you are taking a risk. It is also fun as long as for example, if you were using MSN Messenger, and someone just knew your e-mail and put your account in, and you didn't know that person, you ignore them and delete them, or block them immediately. You must not say anything to them. If you use chatrooms, you must also have your parent's consent. I have used chatrooms loads of times, but I only talk to my school friends. Olivia, 11, Bath
I think that chatrooms should be banned as they can be very dangerous cos you don't know who you are talking to. Chloe, 14, Aberdeenshire
I use MSN because it is a lot safer as you can only talk to about 5 people at a time. I mainly only chat to my friends anyway. Charlotte, 14, Sevenoaks
I go on em, but I don't give out n e personal details. I just chat about animals, music and TV. If n e one ever makes me feel uncomfortable I just leave the room without saying n e thing. No one's physically stopping me from leaving, r they? I'm very street wise on the internet!!! lol Shaly, 13, Bristol
I loved chatrooms, especially for Harry Potter RPG. Then my mother banned me from going to them. I think they are fun, but really dangerous. After all that's happened with them, I'm glad I don't go to them anymore. Michelle, 14.
I'm not even allowed into chatrooms. I'll stick to talking to my friends on aol instant messenger. Kristina, 12, USA
I go to chatrooms but there are some real sick people on there sometimes so I leave them. But as long as u don't give your details then you're fine. Daisy,13.
I have never really bothered wif chatrooms. They r a waste of time. I just normally chat 2 my m8s over the phone or on msn because then you know who you r talking to. Kelly, 11, County Down
I used to go to chatrooms but most of them have bad things and stuff so I stopped going. Jemma, 13, London
I think that chatrooms are ok for people who are sensible and are not going to give their address to a stranger. Monay, 14, Manchester
They are really dangerous and you never know who your talking to. Message Boards like the Newsround ones are a lot better as you feel safe and have every message checked and watched by the mods. I prefer talking to people I know and trust, not strangers who know nothing about me. Ryan, 14, Enniskillen
I used to go on chatrooms, but all the adverts and warnings have made me more cautious and I now turn to message boards! Richard, 13, Hereford
I'm not allowed in chatrooms, which I think is good because I would be chatting to strangers! Hayley, 15, Oxford
I think chat rooms are perfectly safe as long as you don't give them your details, you're fine. Jessica, 12, Bristol
I don't bother with chatrooms anymore. I prefer messageboards and chatting to the mates I already know from school and stuff. Sally, 12, Durham
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Chatrooms can be safe if we're sensible
