Recent research indicates that despite the implementation of the Online Safety Act last summer, young girls continue to encounter distressing suicide and self-harm content on social media platforms.
Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, is advocating for a more targeted approach to address harmful content online rather than a blanket ban on social media for individuals under 16. He emphasizes the need to combat the type of content that tragically contributed to his daughter’s passing in 2017.
The Prime Minister is expected to announce restrictions on the use of platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok by individuals under 16 on Monday, following a three-month consultation by the Government.
A survey conducted by The Mirror revealed that nearly half of teenage girls and a third of all teenagers aged 13 to 17 were exposed to high-risk content related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders within a week in April. The study also found that a slightly lower percentage of teenagers are now encountering harmful content (34%) compared to before the implementation of the Online Safety Act (37%).
These findings raise concerns about the efficacy of existing online safety regulations and whether major tech companies are complying with the guidelines.
The Molly Rose Foundation (MRF), responsible for the research, expressed deep apprehension that a social media ban similar to Australia’s may not adequately address the core safety issues highlighted in their study.
According to sources at The Mirror, the proposed social media ban for individuals under 16 in the UK will go beyond Australia’s measures, encompassing restrictions on design features and implementing curfews for 16- and 17-year-olds. The ban is expected to extend to additional services, including gaming platforms.
In contrast to a ban, Mr. Russell, who has been critical of such a move, expressed disappointment with Keir Starmer for potentially opting for an easier solution rather than prioritizing long-term online safety measures.
He conveyed to The Mirror his concerns, stating, “It’s disheartening to think that instead of creating a safe digital environment for young people in this country, if reports of a ban are accurate, we will be left with the same hazardous online landscape. Children will likely find ways to circumvent the restrictions, making the situation potentially more perilous. Addressing the root problem has been neglected, opting for a politically expedient choice instead of honoring commitments and heeding evidence.”
The majority of parents who participated in the Government’s online safety consultation advocated for age restrictions similar to those in Australia.
Despite Australia’s ban on social media for under 16s, data from MRF suggests that a significant proportion of Australian 12 to 15 year-olds still maintain access to restricted platforms.
Some experts caution that implementing a ban could absolve tech companies of responsibility for improving the safety of their products. Arturo Béjar, a former senior Meta employee turned Whistleblower, emphasized the need for platforms to demonstrate safety compliance before allowing young users access.
Another parent, Ellen Roome, who believes her son’s death was linked to an online challenge in 2022, supports a ban on social media. She previously criticized MPs for rejecting proposals to ban social media for individuals under 16.
The National Education Union (NEU), representing numerous school staff members, also stands in favor of a social media ban.
Last year, media regulator Ofcom instructed online services to take immediate action to prevent minors from accessing content related to pornography, suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders.
Under the Online Safety Act, all social media platforms were required to implement age verification measures by July 2025 to avoid penalties. This mandate encompassed platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
::: MEL Research conducted a survey of 1,825 children aged 13-17 across the UK, in collaboration with the PHSE Association, with in-school data collection conducted in April 2026.
For emotional support, contact the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch, or access the Samaritans website.
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