More than eight years ago, Ian Russell's youngest daughter, Molly, died after being bombarded with suicide and self-harm material on social media. Russell had hoped that Keir Starmer would take the necessary measures to address the harm Molly suffered, but the prime minister's social media ban for under-16s leaves him desperately worried for children's online safety.
Failed Promises on Big Tech Regulation
Russell states that instead of tackling the product safety issues that cost his daughter's life, Starmer is choosing a politically easy route that evidence and experts warn will not work, leaving children at continued risk. He accuses the prime minister of failing time and again to take on big tech with the tough regulation promised in opposition. Starmer also promised Russell personally to implement effective measures to strengthen regulation and address social media harm, but has failed to keep either promise.
Rushed Ban Without Evidence
Russell notes that after a recent consultation on children's social media use, Starmer promised to follow the evidence and act decisively. Instead, he rushed out a ban. Just last week, the Molly Rose Foundation shared damning evidence with No 10 about algorithms continuing to spread harmful content to children, but Russell has yet to receive a response.
Algorithmic Harm Persists
One in two girls aged 13 to 17 continue to see high-risk suicide, depression, self-harm, and body image content on social media, with research showing the majority is algorithmically driven. Russell argues that Starmer could have announced a decisive plan banning personalized algorithms for teens and compelling tech companies to change their business models. Instead, he left algorithmic harm wide open, with a ban that raises more questions than answers.
Lessons from Australia
Russell points to Australia, where a similar ban for under-16s came into effect in December 2025, with 60% of teens still accessing social media. He predicts the same will happen in the UK, leaving teens at greater risk and less likely to seek help for fear of getting in trouble. Others will migrate to apps not covered by the ban, where safety features are minimal.
False Hope for Parents
The evidence from Australia shows that a social media ban is not a zero-cost option; some children feel less safe online, while most see no change. Russell concludes that today's news gives parents false hope. The prime minister has abdicated responsibility for product safety and failed to tackle the algorithms that cost Molly's life and will cost many more.
Ian Russell is an internet safety campaigner and chair of the Molly Rose Foundation.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741. In Australia, Lifeline is 13 11 14.
