Brianna Ghey’s mother ‘devastated’ that PM met tech bosses before campaigners
The Government is midway through its consultation on how to protect children online, which could include an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s
The mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey has said she was “a little bit devastated” when she heard Sir Keir Starmer had met tech bosses to discuss children’s safety online before speaking to bereaved families.
Esther Ghey, whose 16-year-old daughter was murdered by two teenagers in 2023, said campaigning is “really difficult” and that she hoped she and other families would be the Prime Minister’s priority.
Ms Ghey and other campaigners, including Ellen Roome, who believes her 14-year-old son Jools died while attempting an online challenge, sent an open letter to the Prime Minister on Sunday.
They wrote: “We were incredibly disappointed to learn that you invited social media companies to discuss this issue prior to meeting with families like ours.
“While we understand the importance of engaging with industry, it is of equal importance that you hear directly from those who have experienced the devastating consequences associated with online platforms.”
In the meeting on April 16, senior leaders from Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Elon Musk’s X, Snap, TikTok, and Google – which owns YouTube – were questioned by Sir Keir and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall on what they are doing to protect children and respond to parental concerns.
The Government is midway through its consultation on how to protect children online, which could include an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s, limits on addictive features, and stronger controls on AI chatbots.
Brianna’s killers had accessed harmful content online, and Ms Ghey said other children have died after “accessing harmful content such as suicidal ideation or online challenges”.
A Government spokesperson said: “We share Esther Ghey’s determination to keep children safe online, and value the role she and so many parents play in pushing for change.
“That’s why the Prime Minister and ministers have been meeting families and young people to discuss the future of social media and its impact on children, and will continue to engage with families who have been directly affected.
“As the Technology Secretary has stressed, we will act to ensure children have safer childhoods online. This is a complex issue with no overall consensus.
“We have launched a consultation looking at everything from age limits and safer design features on AI chatbots and games, to a social media ban. We’re also running pilots with hundreds of UK families and engaging with parents, children and experts to make sure we get this right.”