Full social media ban dangerous, says bereaved mum
BBCA mother whose daughter took her own life at the age of 12 after being bullied on social media has said it is "dangerous" to completely ban young people from using it.
The government announced under-16s would be banned from social media by spring 2027.
Charley-Ann Patterson from Cramlington, Northumberland, took her own life in October 2020 after being bullied in school and on social media.
Her mother Jay Patterson said: "We need more information and clarity about what the ban involves, it's as clear as mud."
Australia became the first country in the world to introduce a similar social media ban in December, but experts say young people can still access the platforms.
Social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X are among those which will be affected in the UK - but WhatsApp and Signal are not included.
Family handoutAn inquest into Charley-Ann's death in 2022 revealed she had been sent distressing videos on social media days before she killed herself.
"Charley was sent horrible messages on WhatsApp but if this is a blanket ban then why wasn't WhatsApp included?
"It's not been thought out," her mother said.
Announcing the plan on Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "A full ban is the right choice. I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children."
However, Patterson believes an educational approach to the issue would have been better placed as she called for greater safety lessons in school.
"I'd love to say this is going to work but our family's personal history suggests otherwise, you wouldn't let someone drive without doing their test.
"Young people need to be taught early about the dangers of the internet, you take away full access from them, then bang they're 16 and they have access to it all - that's dangerous," she said.
The prime minister said social media was making it easier for bullies to abuse children and was designed to be addictive.
The government is expected to introduce legislation before Christmas, with rules expected to come into force in spring 2027.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available at BBC Action Line.
