Should you reject a friend on MySpace? How do you ward off an old lover on Facebook?

Have no fear. Britain?s etiquette bible has come to the rescue for social networkers who are at a loss about how to behave with online decorum. Debrett?s have helped to compile a new set of ?golden rules? for devotees of sites like Facebook and Bebo.

The rules were put together after research by Telecoms company Orange showed that two thirds of social networkers are frustrated and confused by online etiquette.

More than a quarter were uncertain about how to respond to unwelcome ?pokes? or messages. 18% confessed to being confused on ?how to respond to my ex when in a relationship with someone else?.

Debrett?s etiquette adviser, Jo Bryant, tried to guide the confused through what can be a social minefield.?My advice is to play it safe and always employ your usual good manners when online, treating others with kindness and respect.? Mark Watt-Jones of Orange, said: ?Whether you are checking your profile or posting photos, these guidelines will ensure you never lose old friends or make unwanted new ones.?

Rules by Debrett?s & Orange:

? You don?t have to make friends with people you don?t know. Think before you poke.

? Wait 24 hours before accepting or removing someone as a friend. It helps you gather your thoughts.

? Birthdays, engagements and weddings are not ?virtual? events. Always send cards or phone friends when there is an important event. ?Before posting a friend?s photo think what you?d feel like if it was you.

? Think about your profile picture. Would you want it to appear in your local newspaper?