Molly Rose Foundation Criticises Under-16 Social Media Ban, Citing Enforceability Issues
A proposed social media ban for under-16s in the UK would prove unenforceable, according to a leading online safety charity. Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, stated that government focus should instead be on restricting addictive features embedded within social media platforms.
Australia's Ban Deemed Ineffective
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce the Labour Party's stance on an under-16 social media ban, a measure already introduced in Australia. However, Mr Burrows expressed dismay at the prospect of the UK adopting a similar approach, citing a lack of supportive evidence and operational failures in the Australian precedent. He highlighted that Australia's eSafety Commission found in March that seven out of ten parents with children already on social media reported their children were still using the platforms despite the ban.
Mr Burrows, whose organisation was established in memory of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old who took her own life after exposure to harmful online content in 2017, emphasised the need for 'decisive action' and 'measures that can actually succeed'. He argued that banning features such as autoplay, infinite scroll, and algorithmic content bombardment would be more effective than a blanket age restriction that experts deem impractical.
The UK government concluded a consultation on children's online safety in January, receiving 116,211 responses. Ministers have considered various options, including age bans and screen time limits. Mr Burrows warned against offering 'false hope' to parents, asserting that sector experts do not have confidence in an Australia-style ban.
Molly Russell's father, Ian Russell, previously advocated for enforcing existing laws rather than 'implementing sledgehammer techniques like bans', aligning with the foundation's critical assessment of age-based restrictions.
