More than half of children visiting social networking sites have had an “unwanted experience online” a survey for the NSPCC has found.

The survey was conducted via a self-selecting online survey of 2053 children aged between 11 and 15 who used the social networking site Habbo. Over half of the youngsters said they logged on to these sites, which include the popular MySpace and Bebo sites at least once a day.

It found that over half had experienced bullying, threatening behaviour or had  been asked to perform sexual acts on social networking sites.

The reasons youngsters use social networking sites also concerns the charity with the survey suggesting that over 60 per cent of children log on to these sites to combat loneliness, while over half used the sites to share their problems.

Nine out of ten young people admitted to using the sites to make new friends.

The results were published to highlight the charity's Don't Hide It campaign which is aimed at encouraging children to speak out against abuse experienced at social networking sites.

It urges children who have experienced or are worried about these matters to visit the ChildLine website, or call 0800 1111. Alternatively youngsters can visit the Don’t Hide It website. It also urges youngsters to speak to a parent, carer, relative, friend or teacher.

This campaign follows on from another the charity ran on sexual abuse via the internet last year. NSPCC director and chief executive Dame Mary Marsh said:

“Children face real threats on the internet such as sexual grooming, cyber-bullying, exposure to violent, pornographic and other unsuitable material and being lured into dangerous real-world situations.

“Online social networking is part of millions of children’s lives. We must recognise and respond to this reality by helping them be safer online as well as helping them speak out about abuse at the same time.

“Children and young people often turn first to their own friends and people of their own age. They trust them to understand what they are going through. And they are often very supportive of each other.

"It takes great courage for an abused child to speak out. For many, taking the first step is the hardest part of the journey in getting help,” she said.