UK must move now' to ban social media for under-16s, says Brianna Ghey's mother

"We've got the consultation that they're planning, but I just fear that it's going to take too long and I think that we've already had enough discussions and consultations and we know the evidence now. Brianna wasn't alone. We know that there are each day, in England alone, 500 mental health referrals for children and we need to really think what is impacting this, why is there such an increase in mental health issues."

"Ghey's words come as MPs prepare to vote on an amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill from Lord John Nash which would enact a ban for under-16s within 12 months of the bill passing. Keir Starmer last week attempted to head off the prospect of a Labour rebellion by announcing a consultation which is due to report in the summer. The prime minister has said he is open to the idea of a ban, but is understood to have reservations about how it would be implemented."

Esther Ghey urged MPs to implement an age restriction on social media now to prevent further harm to children, warning that a delayed government consultation risks more damage. She linked her daughter Brianna's social media addiction to deteriorating mental health and risky behaviour. She cited roughly 500 daily child mental health referrals in England and raised concerns about rising peer-on-peer violence and teacher retention problems. MPs will vote on an amendment to ban social media for under-16s within 12 months of the bill passing, while government leaders express implementation and safety concerns including possible migration to the dark web. Campaigners call for rapid legislative action.

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