Story Highlight
– Lords voted to ban under-16s from social media use.
– Bereaved mothers call for urgent action to protect children.
– Ofcom admits more action is needed for online safety.
– Consultation on social media ban includes various safety measures.
– Australia’s social media ban serves as a global reference.
Full Story
Two mothers, both impacted by the tragic loss of their children, are united in their call for immediate action to impose a ban on social media usage for individuals under 16. They express concerns that delays in implementing such a regulation could result in further harm to young people. Their plea comes shortly after a significant decision by the House of Lords, which voted in favour of prohibiting minors from accessing platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, aligning with similar measures introduced by the Australian government last year.
Esther Ghey and Ellen Roome, who spoke candidly on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, conveyed their frustration over what they perceive as inadequate regulatory oversight. They argue that Ofcom, the body responsible for monitoring online safety, is failing to effectively safeguard children from the dangers present online. This sentiment echoes calls for stronger regulatory frameworks to bolster the protection of minors as they navigate the complex digital landscape.
Ofcom itself has acknowledged the challenges that remain, with a spokesperson affirming that it is “under no illusion there is still much more to do.” The recent vote in the House of Lords was a notable setback for the government, resulting in a decisive majority of 111 votes against the continuation of unrestricted access to social media for those under 16.
The outcome signifies that the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will proceed to the House of Commons for further deliberation, prompting additional discussion about the potential implementation of a social media ban. In response, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a three-month consultation process that will evaluate the pros and cons of such restrictions. This evaluation will also consider potential measures such as night-time curfews and strategies to combat harmful scrolling habits, with findings expected to be reported back to the government in the summer.
Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was tragically killed in 2023 at the hands of two minors who had coordinated their actions via social media, articulated the urgency of the situation. She stated, “Whilst we’re waiting more and more children are being harmed.” Ghey has previously shared the struggles her daughter faced in the last years of her life, including difficulties stemming from prolonged social media use. According to Ghey, the drive for fame and recognition that Brianna sought through platforms like TikTok intensified her feelings of isolation and adversely affected her mental health.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Ghey emphasized the alarming statistics regarding youth mental health, noting that “every single day 500 children are being referred to mental health services.” With evidence indicating that a striking 97% of children aged 12 and older own smartphones, Ghey argues for immediate and decisive action.
Australia’s prohibition on social media accounts for users under 16 took effect in December, with the initiative driven by advocates who believed it was essential to shield children from the risks associated with harmful online content and predatory algorithms. The implementation of this policy is being closely monitored by governments worldwide, including the UK.
Despite growing consensus around the need for enhanced safety measures online, some companies, including Meta, maintain that a blanket ban is not the solution. Concerns have been raised by various experts who argue that while the need for greater protections is clear, a total prohibition may not address the underlying issues effectively.
Ellen Roome, who also lost her son Julian during a social media challenge, expressed her frustration during a recent meeting with the technology secretary. The 49-year-old from Gloucestershire firmly asked, “How much longer are we going to let children have unregulated access?” Roome advocates for a proactive approach rather than a waiting game, arguing, “If this was a product, it would be taken off the road, it would be fixed and handed back to them.”
As part of their advocacy efforts, Roome is involved in a group of parents pursuing legal action against TikTok in the state of Delaware in the United States, seeking to hold the platform accountable for its role in exposing children to risky content.
In response to the ongoing issues surrounding online child safety, Ofcom has actively initiated investigations into over 90 online platforms since acquiring new regulatory powers last summer. The agency has imposed fines and facilitated widespread implementation of age verification checks aimed at protecting young users from inappropriate material.
An Ofcom spokesperson outlined the measures already taken, noting that several high-risk sites are now blocked and efforts to tackle child sexual abuse material have been enhanced. However, they acknowledged the long-standing lack of regulation in the sector, stating, “This is an industry that’s been unregulated and unaccountable for more than 20 years, and so while significant progress is being made, we’re under no illusion that there is much still to do.”
The spokesperson concluded by reaffirming Ofcom’s commitment to advancing online safety, vowing to work with urgency to ensure a safer digital environment for children in the UK. They expressed gratitude for the contributions and insights received from victims, survivors, and bereaved families, highlighting the crucial role these perspectives play in shaping effective policies.
As discussions surrounding social media regulation and child safety continue to evolve, the voices of bereaved parents like Ghey and Roome are becoming increasingly influential in advocating for meaningful change, urging society to reconsider the balance between digital freedom and the welfare of children.
Our Thoughts
The incidents highlighted in the article underline the urgent need for enhanced regulation of social media platforms to protect children. To prevent such tragedies, it is essential to implement immediate restrictions on access to these platforms for under-16s, akin to the Australian model. This aligns with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates the obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all users, particularly vulnerable groups like children.
Key lessons include the necessity for stringent age verification processes on social media platforms and parental controls to limit exposure to harmful content. Additionally, continuous monitoring and accountability mechanisms for these platforms should be enforced under the current Online Safety Bill.
Ofcom’s acknowledgment of the need for improvement illustrates a breach of the fundamental duty to protect children from harmful online influences. The regulator must strengthen its oversight functions and impose penalties on companies failing to comply with safety standards.
Regular assessments and stakeholder consultations, including the voices of bereaved families, should guide policy development to make social media a safer environment for children. These proactive steps could mitigate risks and significantly reduce the potential for harm.
