40 h. ago Life after Molly: Ian Russell on big tech, his daughter’s death – and why a social media ban won’t work

Molly Russell was just 14 when she took her own life in 2017, and an inquest later found negative online content was a significant factor. With many people now pushing for teenagers to be kept off tech platforms, her father explains why he backs a different approachIan Russell describes his life as being split into two parts: before and after 20 November 2017, the day his youngest daughter, Molly, took her own life as a result of depression and negative social media content. “Our life before Molly’s death was very ordinary. Unremarkable,” he says. He was a television producer and director, married with three daughters. “We lived in an ordinary London suburb, in an ordinary semi-detached house, the children went to ordinary schools.” The weekend before Molly’s death, they had a celebration for all three girls’ birthdays, which are in November. One was turning 21, another 18 and Molly was soon to be 15. “And I remember being in the kitchen of a house full of friends and family and thi...

Events

46 h. ago Pet monkeys 'could be seized and killed' in England as ban looms amid social media trend

The RSPCA estimates there are between 4,000 and 5,000 marmosets, capuchins, squirrel monkeys and other primates in UK homes.

Events

55 h. ago Relief, frustration and a surge in fake birthdays: inside Australia’s social media ban for under

As social media age restriction looks increasingly common in the UK, Katie Strick discovers how it’s going for young people in Australia

Politics

3 d. ago Inside Australia’s total ban on under 16s using social media as Starmer seeks advice on UK app clampdown

SIR Keir Starmer has spoken to Australian PM Anthony Albanese about his country’s social media ban for under-16s. Our Prime Minister — who previously opposed a clampdown — last week announced a consultation on UK legislation preventing young teenagers from accessing sites such as TikTok and YouTube. A spokesman for the Australian government told The...

Politics

3 d. ago Super WAG Wanda Nara risks Instagram ban in swimsuit while celebrating 'another success'

Super WAG Wanda Nara has risked a ban on social media as she danced away in a tiny swimsuit while starring in MC Binn's latest music video

Events

4 d. ago Mums of teens whose brutal attacks were filmed for online back progress on social media ban for kids

A ban on social media for under-16s has been backed by the House of Lords.

Events

5 d. ago Do social media bans work? What the evidence says as Lords back UK ban for under

The House of Lords has backed a move to ban under-16s in the UK from social media platforms

Politics

5 d. ago Peter Andre opens up on disagreement with wife Emily over ban for children

Peter Andre has spoken out about his support for a social media ban for under-16s, admitting that he initially disagreed with his wife Emily over the issue

Politics

5 d. ago Signs your child is addicted to social media – as Lords back ban

Expert-backed advice on what parents need to look out for.

Politics

5 d. ago I research the harm of social media on teens. Here’s why I don’t support a ban

The UK government has launched a consultation on introducing an Australian-style ban on social media for under-16s

Politics

6 d. ago Social media ban could stop teens learning vital health lessons, says expert

Dame Professor Lesley Regan says young people could be left in the dark on issues like periods without access to TikTok and Instagram

Science

6 d. ago Britain facing ‘catastrophe’ because of children being addicted to social media, peers told – UK politics live

House of Lords debate amendments to bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from having social media We’re not far off PMQs. Here is the list of MPs down to ask a question.There will be two statements in the Commons after PMQs. At 12.30pm Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, will give one about the warm homes plan, and about an hour later Emma Reynolds, the environment secretary, will give one on the water white paper. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago ‘I would have done social media ban consultation sooner’ – Ofsted boss

Sir Martyn Oliver told Bett UK: ‘I want children to live their childhoods. I don’t want them to watch it on a screen’.

Politics

6 d. ago How social media firms can avoid a UK ban on children using their platforms

If social media firms take their responsibilities more seriously, it should be possible to create an online world that’s safe for children

Politics

7 d. ago Ella Baron on Keir Starmer, Donald Trump and social media bans – cartoon

Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Government to issue statement on social media ban for under 16s after tens of thousands sign petition

The petition is calling for a total ban on social media use for under 16s

Politics

7 d. ago Scots Labour MP warns against 'punishing young people' with under

The UK Government is consulting on a potential social media ban for those aged under 16

Events

7 d. ago ‘My daughter is addicted to her phone – only a social media ban for under

The UK government has announced plans to consult on a social media ban for under-16s – but will it solve the problem? Nicole Wootton-Cane speaks to parents about whether they would support the measures

Politics

7 d. ago Doomscrolling breaks and overnight curfews considered as part of social media crackdown plans, minister says

Tech secretary Liz Kendall announces a ‘swift’ consultation on banning children using social media, with a verdict expected by the summer

Politics

7 d. ago UK study to examine effects of restricting social media for children

Trial involving 4,000 children will explore impact on mental health, sleep and time spent with friends and familyA pioneering investigation into the impact of restricting social media access for children in the UK has been announced as politicians around the world consider action on the issue.In December, Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from social media, with governments in other countries – including the UK – under pressure to do the same. Continue reading...

Politics