Esther Ghey has voiced frustration at the government’s “weak” approach to online safety, warning that “young people are losing their lives.” Her daughter Brianna, 16, was murdered in 2023 by two teenagers—one of whom had watched violent content online. Brianna had also viewed material promoting self-harm.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Ghey condemned reports that the Online Safety Bill could be watered down to favour trade talks with US President Donald Trump, calling the idea “shocking.”

She urged tougher action, including a ban on social media access for under-16s and a blanket ban on smartphones in English schools. Ms Ghey previously raised the issue with the Prime Minister.

Former Children’s Commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield also criticised tech firms for doing the bare minimum to protect children, calling for a stronger Ofcom to hold them accountable. “These companies want to hook kids early—it’s a business model,” she said.

The government insisted the Online Safety Act requires platforms to remove illegal content and will soon enforce age-appropriate standards. Research on the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s wellbeing is ongoing.