Molly Russell's dad says under-16 social media ban would be wrong

"The father of a teenager who took her own life after viewing suicide and self-harm content online has said banning under-16s from social media would be wrong. Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, told BBC's Newscast that the government should enforce existing laws rather than "implementing sledgehammer techniques like bans". The foundation he set up in Molly's honour is among a number of children's charities and online safety organisations to sign a joint statement opposing such a move."

"Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has not ruled out an under-16 social media ban, after Australia imposed one in December. The House of Lords is set to vote on proposals for a more nuanced ban next week, which could be added to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill as an amendment. Many Labour MPs and officials have said they expect the UK government to follow Australia's example, with several other European nations weighing similar laws."

"But Ian Russell - who has campaigned for better online protections for children since his daughter took her own life in 2017 aged 14 - says bereaved families are "horrified" at the way politicians had capitalised on the issue. "Many of them have said things like: 'this is not something that should be a party political issue'." The government should instead be enforcing laws already on the books more robustly, he argued. Russell Family Russell expressed concerns about the "unintended consequences" of a ban, which he said would "cause more problems"."

Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly died in 2017 after viewing self-harm content online, opposes a blanket under-16 social media ban. He urges enforcement of existing laws rather than new bans and warns that blanket measures could cause unintended problems. His foundation joined children's charities and online safety organisations in a joint statement opposing such a move. Political figures are divided: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not ruled out a ban, the House of Lords may vote on a nuanced amendment, and some ministers and opposition leaders have expressed support. Russell criticises companies prioritising profit over safety.

Read at www.bbc.com