Esther Ghey, mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, has called on MPs to vote for an immediate ban on social media for under-16s, accusing the government of delaying action with its planned consultation. Speaking to the Guardian's Politics Weekly podcast, she warned that children would continue to be harmed while the government waits for the results of its assessment later this year.
Ghey previously stated that her daughter's social media addiction contributed to her mental health issues and made her more vulnerable. She said: 'We’ve got the consultation that they’re planning, but I just fear that it’s going to take too long... We need to move now because as we’re waiting, more and more children are being harmed.'
MPs are set to debate an amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill, proposed by Lord John Nash, which would enact a ban within 12 months of the bill passing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a consultation due to report in the summer, but has reservations about implementation and the risk of driving children to the dark web. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson share these doubts.
Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell who took her own life at 14 due to depression and negative social media content, also expressed caution, stating: 'We’re in danger of trying to move too fast and trying to find quick-fix solutions.' Over 60 Labour MPs have signed a letter calling for a ban, though some now support allowing the consultation to proceed.
