Do you think it is right for young girls to chat with older people online?

Not all older men are lustful by any means. One hears a great deal, of course, about the bad and the good stories never get reported. It is very narrow minded to think that people should always talk to others of their own age - everyone should learn that physical age is not important when having a conversation. It only becomes relevant when the relationship shows signs of progressing beyond conversation. Education in handling and managing relationships is what is very desirable.

I am glad that you point out that not all men are like that. It is true that there is a higher proportion of "bad 'uns" online than you might find in real life and it is right to be wary. What is needed, though, is sensible education on how to conduct any relationship (which starts, of course, with a conversation and may become a friendship only or more). Fear of what can happen is NOT the answer. A great deal of good can come from meeting people online provided that one is aware of and knows how to deal with the bad. Perhaps the problem is that, as parents and grandparents, we are not well enough equipped to teach our young people how to manage emotions and to deal sensibly with potential danger.