Mother of boy who may have died in TikTok challenge urges No 10 to ban social media

A mother of a 14-year-old who believes he died in a TikTok challenge says the government has moved too slowly toward banning social media for under-16s. She urges immediate removal of access until platforms are safe, arguing that technology companies should invest in making systems safer and then allow access again. She hopes a ban will push companies to improve safety. Labour’s party chair says the government will seize the moment but notes time was taken on the consultation and that existing legislation enables swift action. A former health secretary compares social media to tobacco and says tech companies are responsible for making products addictive, using design features that target children and keep them engaged.

"“Come on, get a grip, let's actually stand up, do something, make a decision, she said on Today on BBC Radio 4. I don't care if they take it away for adults and children until it's safe, just take it away, fix it, and then we can give it back. Roome said she hoped a ban would give technology companies the impetus to make the platforms safer.”"

"“They spend millions and billions of pounds on making their system. They could spend some money on actually fixing their system and say this is now a safe product, and give it back. But until it's safe, I absolutely wholeheartedly say take it away.”"

"“Anna Turley, the Labour party chair, said the government would seize this moment but said it was right there had been time taken on the consultation. We need to make sure that legislation and protection keeps pace with technology as it changes and protects our children going forward, she added. We've got legislation in place already to enable us to take these powers, so we'll be acting as soon as possible because we need to make sure we protect children going forward and we get this right.”"

"“The former health secretary Wes Streeting, who compared social media to tobacco in a Guardian interview on Monday, told Today that the tech companies were to blame for making their products so addictive. They know that it is harmful, and the business model is orientated towards getting kids, while they're young, addicting them with the design features that are designed for addiction to grab your attention and keep you on their platform for as l”"

Read at www.theguardian.com