Alleged Tas child rapist held in custody

A Launceston man charged with raping children he met on social media has been remanded in custody without entering a plea.

Reginald Robert Young, 24, on Tuesday faced Launceston Magistrates Court charged with three counts of rape, abduction and possessing child exploitation material.

He is due to face a magistrate again on July 4 when he is expected to enter a plea.

Police allege Young made contact with his victims and arranged to meet them via social media in February.

The case has prompted a warning from investigators.

"It is a timely reminder for parents to monitor internet traffic where possible and for younger members of our community to resist accepting friend requests from people they don't know," Inspector John King said.