A Galway-based internet expert has hit out at "sensationalised" reports of the dangers of popular internet sites such as Bebo, Myspace and Facebook in the media.

Galway based epublishing consultant Rob Smith as he appears on his Bebo profile page in a site he created while researching the pros and cons of the social networking website.

Rob Smith, an epublishing consultant who runs galwayonline.com, has urged parents to deal with the dangers of the social networking sites through advice and guidance rather than sensationalism.

However, he has re-issued a warning to parents to ensure children under 13 years of age are supervised when they are on the internet. He has also urged parents to put their children's computers in the living room where parents can see what sites their children are accessing.

"It is a mistake to allow children to have a laptop or computer in their bedroom," said Mr Smith. "They should be encouraged to use their computer in the living room where their parents are walking by."

The advice comes after Interpol detective, Michael Moran, who led the hunt for Canadian paedophile Paul Neil, told a national newspaper this week that Irish children should not post their pictures on websites or give out personal information.

The County Meath born Garda Detective Sergeant said paedophiles from all over the world trawl through sites looking for vulnerable children.

While he is concerned over sensationalised reporting, Mr Smith admitted caution is needed.

"It's a different world online," he said. "You have to be careful. You wouldn't walk down a dark alley and children certainly need to be advised of the potential dangers on sites like Bebo.

"I know there are children as young as ten using Bebo. The age limit is 13, however there is no proper age verification without a passport. The best way of dealing with the dangers is to focus on the positive aspects while exercising caution."

Mr Smith has run information evenings in the city for parents on the pros and cons of the networking sites.

He said he has found that older teenagers are more savvy when it comes to using the sites.

"What I have found is that older teenagers use the advice given to them about not speaking to strangers and have taken the same precautions with them into the online world," said Mr Smith.

"However the younger kids are not as clued in and they certainly need to be advised and supervised by their parents," he said.

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