The father of Molly Russell has cautioned Keir Starmer against hasty implementation of a social media prohibition, as recent surveys reveal that a majority of Australian children are still accessing online platforms despite imposed restrictions.
Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter tragically took her own life in 2017 due to negative social media influences, emphasized to the Prime Minister the critical need to base any actions to enhance online safety in the UK on solid evidence to avoid costly mistakes.
Although Australia enforced a ban on social media access for individuals under 16 in December, new data indicates that three out of five (61%) Australian adolescents aged 12 to 15 are still active on one or more restricted platforms.
The research highlighted that major social media companies have managed to retain a significant portion of their underage users, with 53% of previous TikTok users, 53% of YouTube users, and 52% of Instagram users still maintaining accounts on these platforms.
Conducted by the Molly Rose Foundation and YouthInsight, Australia’s largest online youth panel, the first comprehensive survey of 1,050 children aged 12-15 raises concerns about the effectiveness of Australia’s social media ban, according to MRF, established in Molly’s memory. The foundation cautioned that a ban might falsely reassure parents of safety and recommended the Prime Minister commit to a new Online Safety Act in the upcoming King’s Speech.
Mr. Russell stressed that Keir Starmer has the opportunity to position the UK as a global leader in online safety by introducing evidence-based legislation that fulfills the demands of concerned parents.
Andy Burrows, the Chief Executive of Molly Rose Foundation, echoed the sentiment, stating that the outcomes of the Australian ban pose significant doubts and suggest that replicating such a ban in the UK would be a risky move with high stakes.
The UK Government is currently seeking input on children’s social media safety, exploring various options such as restricting addictive features, implementing curfews, and potentially contemplating a social media ban for those under 16 as part of a three-month consultation period.
A spokesperson for DSIT emphasized the importance of making informed decisions based on the research findings, ensuring that any actions taken are technically viable, enforceable, and place genuine accountability on platforms to provide adequate protection for children and their parents.