Bereaved Louth family meet PM to call for tougher social media restrictions
Kibi Wade’s mum and stepmum joined other bereaved families at Downing Street as part of the Government consultation into online safety
The family of a teenage girl from Louth who took her own life say they hope tighter restrictions on social media could help protect other children.
Kibi Wade died in July 2024 aged sixteen following years of cyberbullying online.
On Tuesday, Kibi’s mum Michelle Barrett and stepmum Michelle Gardner travelled to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister as part of the Government’s consultation into children’s online safety.
They joined around ten other bereaved families campaigning for stronger protections for young people online.
Speaking after the meeting, Michelle Gardner said the discussions had been “very powerful” and that families wanted to see meaningful change.
“The Prime Minister actually sat down with us and genuinely engaged and listened to what we were saying," she said.
“It wasn’t just a listening exercise. He was stopping, asking questions, and there were certainly note takers busily scribbling.”
Michelle said there had been “an overwhelming consensus” among families attending that restricting access to social media for under sixteens could prevent future tragedies.
She added: “Had our young children, most of all under sixteen, not had access to social media, they would probably still be here.”
Remembering Kibi, Michelle described her as “fun loving” and “silly”, saying she “lit up a room”.
“She loved music… and she wanted to play the piano as well,” she said. “She was an amazing girl.”
Michelle said it was hugely important for politicians to hear directly from families affected by online harm as the Government reviews responses to the consultation.
Kibi’s family have since set up “Kibi’s Memory” — a charitable organisation aimed at raising awareness, supporting families and campaigning for change.