The mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey is spearheading a powerful campaign for profound changes in the UK's education system, receiving significant political backing in her mission to protect children.
Esther Ghey is advocating for two key measures: the introduction of mandatory mindfulness lessons in schools and restrictions on smartphone access for under-16s. Her campaign, born from unimaginable tragedy, is now gaining remarkable traction in Westminster.
Cross-Party Support Emerges
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has thrown his weight behind the campaign, stating his party is "looking very carefully" at the proposed measures. This endorsement follows a poignant meeting between Ms. Ghey and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
Meanwhile, acclaimed actor Stephen Graham, who has partnered with Ms. Ghey, made a direct appeal to the Prime Minister on ITV's Good Morning Britain, urging the government to "please, please, please implement this in all schools."
A Mother's Mission
The campaign, dubbed "Peace & Mind," aims to equip children with better emotional resilience and create a safer digital environment. Ms. Ghey believes that mindfulness could have helped the teenagers involved in her daughter's murder manage their emotions more effectively.
Her proposals include:
- Implementing mindfulness as a core subject within the school curriculum
- Introducing legislation to restrict smartphone usage for children under 16
- Creating dedicated digital safety educational resources
The tragic case of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl stabbed to death in a Warrington park by two teenagers, has highlighted urgent concerns about online influences and youth mental health.
Government Response
While the government has acknowledged the campaign's importance, a Department for Education spokesperson indicated that a wholesale smartphone ban in schools might not be the approach, instead highlighting existing guidance that allows headteachers to prohibit mobile phones during the school day.
The conversation ignited by Esther Ghey's courageous advocacy continues to gain momentum, potentially paving the way for significant policy changes in how schools address mental wellbeing and digital safety across the United Kingdom.
