A parent whose daughter died from social media harm criticizes the UK's proposed social media ban for under-16s, arguing it fails to address algorithmic dangers and product safety, citing Australia's experience where similar bans were circumvented.
A study by the Molly Rose Foundation reveals that 47% of girls and 34% of all teens aged 13-17 encountered high-risk content (suicide, self-harm, eating disorders) on social media in a week. This is only a slight decrease since new safety measures were implemented last summer. The research highlights the ongoing challenge of children facing "a tsunami of harmful content" online.
The head of the Molly Rose Foundation, Andy Burrows, stated that a social media ban for under-16s, similar to Australia's, would be unenforceable. He urged the UK government to focus on restricting addictive features like autoplay and infinite scroll instead, citing a lack of evidence supporting the ban's effectiveness.
The head of the Molly Rose Foundation, Andy Burrows, stated that a social media ban for under-16s, similar to Australia's, would be unenforceable. He urged the UK government to focus on restricting addictive features like autoplay and infinite scroll instead, citing a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of bans.
UK campaigners are urging Keir Starmer to implement strict safety standards for social media apps accessed by under-16s, rather than a blanket ban. They propose vetting platforms and features before children can use them, citing concerns over infinite scrolling and disappearing messages.
