Windows Messenger - okay for a 9 year old?

[Detta]

Many of my DD's friends use this, but I'm not sure that it's entirely safe. As I don't know much about it, I've set it up ready to use, so that I could try it for myself for a while (see if I get unsolicited stuff etc). Do any of you use it, and would you let your children?

You have to "know" people to talk to them - ie put them in your mail box. However I am wary about all online chat as you don't know who introduces who to whom, etc... if your dd is sensible and you trust her, have a chat about safety on the 'net in the same way as you would about not talking to strangers.

\link{http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/tech/safe_surfing/newsid_1607000/1607213.stm\try showing her this}

u can set it to only allow ppl that u add but its easily changed. its msn messenger u mean?
I wouldn't let my 9 yo but i haven't got a 9 yo so not much help there i am sorry