Mother of Murdered Teen Brianna Ghey Urges MPs to Ban Social Media for Under-16s
Esther Ghey, the mother of Brianna Ghey who was murdered by two teenagers in 2023, has made an emotional plea to Members of Parliament to vote for an amendment that would ban social media for children under the age of 16. The amendment, which calls for an Australia-style prohibition on apps like TikTok and Instagram, is set to be debated in the House of Commons, but faces opposition from the Government, which prefers to gather evidence before implementing concrete proposals.
Heartfelt Appeal from a Grieving Mother
In a statement on Sunday, Esther Ghey highlighted the severe risks faced by young people on social media platforms. "Children on social media, including gaming platforms, are currently being exploited, radicalised, and harmed emotionally and physically, and in the most tragic cases, young lives are being lost," she said. "Brianna was one of these children. Parents across the country are crying out for help as they watch the devastating impact these platforms can have on young people. We cannot afford more delay while the damage continues every single day."
Ghey believes that her daughter's addiction to social media had a profound and negative effect on Brianna's mental health, ultimately leading her to take risks with her personal safety. Brianna, aged 16, was stabbed to death by Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe after being lured into Culcheth Linear Park in Cheshire.
Parliamentary Action and Government Response
The amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, tabled by Lord Nash, a former Conservative schools minister, was passed by the House of Lords. Lord Nash emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, "MPs must make a choice today. Health professionals, senior police officers, members of our intelligence community, teachers and parents have all said the same thing: the evidence is clear, and the age limit for harmful social media platforms must be raised to 16."
However, the Government has taken a more cautious approach. Last week, it launched a consultation on keeping children safe online, with a ban on social media for under-16s being one of the options under consideration. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall explained, "We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having. This is why we’re asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change."
A Government spokeswoman reiterated this stance, saying, "We've been clear that we will take action to make sure children have a healthy relationship with mobile phones and social media. As the Technology Secretary has stressed, this isn’t a question of whether, but how we will act. This is a complex issue with no single right answer. That's why we have launched a consultation looking at everything from age limits and safer design features to a social media ban - to seek views from experts, parents and young people to ensure we take the best approach, based on the latest evidence."
Broader Implications and Public Concern
The debate over social media bans for minors reflects growing public anxiety about the impact of digital platforms on youth. Key points include:
- Mental Health Risks: Social media addiction is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and risky behaviours among teenagers.
- Safety Concerns: Cases like Brianna Ghey's highlight how online interactions can lead to real-world violence and exploitation.
- Parental Pressure: Many parents feel overwhelmed by the challenges of monitoring their children's online activities and support stricter regulations.
- International Precedents: Australia's ban on social media for under-16s, implemented last December, serves as a model for potential UK legislation.
As MPs prepare to vote, the outcome could set a significant precedent for online safety policies in the UK, balancing the need for protection with concerns about overregulation and digital access for young people.
