On the face of it that seems like a good thing because it means we can access information more quickly than ever before.

Of course there is also a downside because all too often the web becomes a conduit for rumour and speculation which can soon become completely out of control.

As journalists it’s our duty to check facts and check again before committing our words to print but as far as social media is concerned it’s unrealistic to expect members of the public to act with the same rigour and caution.

Last week we reported on fears being expressed by parents online about a number of alleged attempted child abductions in our circulation area and we have followed up on that story again in this week’s Gazette.

That’s exactly the sort of story that can quickly grow arms and legs, for obvious reasons, and it’s understandable when the authorities move fast to allay fears and offer reassurance to mums and dads who are worried about their son’s or daughter’s safety.

Sometimes in life it’s acceptable to accuse people of crying wolf if we later discover their repeated allegations prove to be unfounded but when the safety of our children is at stake it’s simply not an option to turn our backs and walk in the opposite direction.

Of course the vast majority of alleged abductions turn out to be false alarms but there is no doubt the mother our reporter spoke to this week was utterly sincere in her belief that her son had been approached by a stranger outside his school.

The very thought of that happening to any child is horrifying.

The fact the police investigated the claims and the head teacher wrote to parents is further evidence that the reports were taken seriously by the authorities.

That should certainly provide some solace to parents through Renfrewshire, as well as encourage anyone who sees something suspicious to report it to the authorities without hesitation.

There may well be those who would throw scorn on reports from behind their computer screens but that should never be allowed to stop people from following their instincts when they sense a child may be in danger.