Ian Russell, chair of the Molly Rose Foundation and an internet safety campaigner, has condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposed social media ban for under-16s, arguing it betrays promises to tackle big tech and leaves children at continued risk.
More than eight years ago, Russell’s youngest daughter Molly died after being exposed to suicide and self-harm content on social media. Russell said he had hoped Starmer would implement effective measures to address the harm, but instead the prime minister has chosen a politically easy route that evidence shows will not work.
Failed promises on regulation
Russell stated that two years into this government, Starmer has repeatedly failed to introduce tough regulation against big tech as he promised in opposition. Starmer also personally assured Russell he would implement effective measures to strengthen regulation and address social media harm, but has not kept either promise.
After a recent consultation on children’s social media use, Starmer promised bereaved parents he would follow the evidence and act decisively. Instead, Russell said, the prime minister rushed out a ban without responding to damning evidence shared by the Molly Rose Foundation about algorithms that continue to spread harmful content to children.
Algorithms remain unchecked
Research shows one in two girls aged 13 to 17 still see high-risk suicide, depression, self-harm and body image content on social media, with the majority algorithmically driven. Russell argued the prime minister could have announced a plan to ban personalised algorithms for teens and compel tech companies to change business models, but instead left algorithmic harm wide open.
Ban likely to be circumvented
Russell pointed to Australia’s under-16s social media ban, where 60% of teens still access social media. He predicted the same in the UK, with teens using restricted apps that remain unsafe, less likely to seek help for fear of getting in trouble, or migrating to apps with minimal safety features.
Evidence from Australia shows the ban is not a zero-cost option, leaving some children feeling less safe and most seeing no change. Russell said today’s news gives parents false hope, and the prime minister has abdicated responsibility for product safety and failed to tackle the algorithms that cost Molly’s life and will cost many more.
Ian Russell is an internet safety campaigner and chair of the Molly Rose Foundation.
If you need support: In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In the US, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741. In Australia, Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
