Parents of Brianna Ghey and Molly Russell have called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to show courage and political leadership in tackling the dangers of social media, following an emotional meeting at Downing Street. The Prime Minister was reportedly 'genuinely moved' as families shared how their children's deaths were linked to harmful online content.
Starmer Promises Action Within Weeks
Sir Keir assured the parents that ministers 'are going to act' after the government consultation on social media safety ends at midnight tonight. The meeting comes after months of pressure for a ban on social media use for under-16s.
Esther Ghey's Call for Strong Leadership
Esther Ghey, whose transgender daughter Brianna was stabbed to death by killers radicalised on the dark web, is a leading advocate for a ban. She told Metro: 'This really calls for strong leadership from Keir Starmer. We are talking about people in this country that he is in charge of. We are talking about children. This is such an opportunity for him to really lead on this. The longer we delay, the more children's lives will be lost and the more families will be joining the group we are part of.' She described the meeting as a 'tipping point' for government commitment.
Ian Russell: Ban Addictive Algorithms, Not Social Media
Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly took her own life after viewing suicide and self-harm content, said the Prime Minister 'was genuinely moved' but added: 'Time will tell if that emotion will turn into a proper response. It is really important that he uses a day like today to give him the courage he needs to follow the evidence. If you don't follow the evidence and get to the best way forward, then all of this is in vain.' Unlike other parents, Ian Russell does not support an outright ban but instead wants a ban on addictive algorithms, infinite scrolling, and allowing strangers to contact young people online.
Lorin LaFave Optimistic After 'Very Emotional' Meeting
Lorin LaFave, whose teenage son was murdered by an online groomer in 2014, left the meeting feeling 'optimistic' that the Prime Minister would commit to raising the age of social media access to 16. She said: 'The Prime Minister seemed genuine and understanding. We hope this is the last step before he is able to make big changes. And it has to be a big change. It cannot be little things here or there.'
Growing Pressure for Under-16 Social Media Ban
The Prime Minister faces intense pressure to announce a ban. Medical leaders, including the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, have compared social media harm to smoking, warning of 'a wave of radicalised children' from exposure to 'hateful, manipulative, addictive and grossly distressing' content. Political rivals Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting have also backed a ban.
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