The mother of a teenager who was tragically killed is urging lawmakers to prohibit social media for individuals under the age of 16. A proposed amendment seeking a ban on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, inspired by Australia’s regulations, is set to be presented to the Parliament. However, the Government is hesitant, preferring to gather evidence before making definite proposals.
Esther Ghey, mother of Brianna, a victim of a fatal incident in 2023, expressed concerns about the exploitation, radicalization, and emotional harm inflicted on children via social media and gaming platforms. She emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent further tragic losses like Brianna’s.
Attributing her daughter’s mental health deterioration and subsequent tragic fate to social media addiction, Ghey stressed the detrimental effects these platforms can have on young individuals’ well-being and safety. Brianna, at 16, fell victim to a fatal attack after being lured to a park by perpetrators Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe.
An amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, proposed by Lord Nash and endorsed by the House of Lords, advocates for raising the age limit for harmful social media platforms to 16. The consultation launched by the Government aims to address online safety for children, including the potential implementation of a social media ban for under-16s, mirroring Australia’s regulations.
In launching the consultation, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall highlighted the challenges parents face in navigating their children’s online activities and screen time. The Government’s commitment to ensuring a positive relationship between children and technology was reiterated, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to determine the best approach based on expert opinions and current evidence.
