The virtual party - Vigilance is not paranoia

STAYING at home was supposed to be the new going out but it seems that online socialising has become the real going out.

Facebook usage has soared 150% in just 12 months. More than half a million people now using the social networking site, this despite Bebo being the most popular social site in Ireland.

Facebook is the sixth-ranked website worldwide, with 275 million visitors in February, up 175% in a year. In Europe, nearly 100 million people use the site.

These are amazing figures and represent a huge change in how we interact. Many people will enjoy the friendships that come into their lives through these sites, But, and there is always a but, others may not.

Adults have to be responsible for their actions but they have a responsibility to their children who use these sites.

Vigilance is not paranoia.