Young people enjoy internet services such as social networking as it allows them to express themselves, according to an expert.

Sarah Brennan, the chief executive of YoungMinds, highlighted the opportunities presentable to computing companies and advertising firms after she revealed that children were comfortable in such online environments.

The specialist said: "Social networking sites are very popular with children and young people. They allow young people to express their identity and opinions through video, photos, music and chat."

She added that children and, by extension, service providers should be aware of the potential risks that such websites pose, including cyber-bullying and misuse by adults posing as youngsters.

According to the Mental Health Foundation earlier this month, the internet is helping girls to grow up, with the demographic being able to share their problems anonymously and confidentially.

It added that schools should be providing this support and not forcing girls into finding these facilities themselves.

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent).