A Mother's Plea: Ban Social Media for Under-16s to Protect Our Children
In a powerful and heartfelt address, Esther Ghey, the mother of the murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, called for banning social media for those under 16. Describing these online platforms as an “absolute cesspit,” Ghey’s call is as much a plea as it is a demand, born from profound personal loss.
Remembering Brianna
Brianna Ghey lost her life in a horrific incident, her untimely death capturing national attention. Two 15-year-old classmates, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, lured Brianna to a park in Cheshire, where they brutally ended her life. The court case revealed chilling motivations, partly tied to Brianna’s transgender identity. Both teens are now sentenced to life imprisonment, reminding society of the dark intersections of youth and violence.
Unseen Dangers of Social Media
At a poignant film screening documenting Brianna’s life, Esther Ghey took the stage, not just to grieve, but to seek “answers” concerning online safety. Why, she questioned, is the world so defenseless against harmful algorithms?
As the documentary reveals, Brianna, like many teens, struggled with mental health challenges, exacerbated by toxic content on social media—demonstrating a baffling gap in digital safeguarding.
A Desperate Cry for Change
Esther Ghey’s narrative isn’t solely one of loss but a rallying cry for reform. Her impassioned support for Australia’s legislative move to ban under-16s from joining social media sets a precedent she believes should be globally followed.
She illustrated the ceaseless battle against harmful comments and misinformation online, an ongoing struggle with support systems that seem to fall short. “Our children have access to those comments,” she lamented, urging that no amount of parental love could shield them from the relentless negativity born in the digital world.
Seeking Safety Over Profits
Meeting with Arturo Béjar, former Meta executive, Esther was reminded of the giant digital footprints left by tech conglomerates. As she stood in London’s crowded auditorium, Esther Ghey envisioned a future where lives like Brianna’s aren’t just a consequence of unchecked algorithms.
Looking Forward
Her journey is now chronicled in a memoir, acclaimed as “one of the most unflinching, inspirational autobiographies” by The Guardian. Through her writings and actions, Esther Ghey strives for a world where social media holds safety above profits, a world where no other mother will share her grief.
According to Inkl, this call for change is resonating, prompting society to renew its focus on digital safety, more vigilant and compassionate than before.
