Barack Obama warns of Facebook dangers

President Barack Obama has warned teenagers in America that putting too much personal information on social-networking sites could come back to haunt them in later life. 

The President was taking part in a question-and-answer session with 14- and 15-year-olds on Tuesday when he was asked for advice on becoming the US President.

"Well, let me give you some very practical tips. First of all, I want everybody here to be careful about what you post on Facebook, because in the YouTube age, whatever you do, it will be pulled up again later somewhere in your life," Obama said.

"And when you're young, you make mistakes and you do some stupid stuff. And I've been hearing a lot about young people who - you know, they're posting stuff on Facebook, and then suddenly they go apply for a job and somebody has done a search," the President continued.

A recent study suggested that some employers in America use social networking sites to run background checks on job applicants.

The Obama White House frequently uses Facebook, Twitter and other social-networking sites to release statements and connect with Americans.

His comments reflect the findings of a recent survey that showed how people's so-called digital tattoos could come back to haunt them.