The mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey is intensifying pressure on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to endorse a ban on social media use for children under 16. Esther Ghey, whose daughter was killed at 16 by two 15-year-olds, is advocating for new restrictions following recent comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who acknowledged the need for stronger measures to protect children online.
In a letter addressed to Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey, Esther Ghey, along with other grieving parents, is calling for support ahead of a potential vote in the House of Lords this week. The amendment under consideration is part of the Labour Party’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would require social media companies to prevent users under 16 from accessing their platforms.
Ghey and the signatories argue that this move is critical for enhancing child safety online, stating, “No parent should have to live with the consequences of a system that failed to protect their child.” The urgency of the issue has been underscored by recent discussions within the government, with the Prime Minister admitting on January 19, 2026, that more needs to be done to safeguard young people.
In her letter, Ghey described Brianna’s struggles with social media, noting that her daughter developed a “social media addiction” and experienced mental health issues from the age of 14. “I speak not only as Brianna’s mother, but alongside many other bereaved parents who have lost their children to harms that began or were amplified online,” she wrote, highlighting the dangers of online grooming and harmful content.
Esther Ghey expressed concern that social media is leading to a “profound loss of childhood,” as the platforms consume the time and attention of an entire generation. She emphasized that supporting the Lords’ amendment would send a clear message that social media is inappropriate for those under 16.
The letter was co-signed by several other parents of children who have suffered similar fates, including Ellen Roome and Ian and Penny Banyard. Their collective call for action reflects a growing sentiment among many families affected by online risks.
Starmer, who previously indicated he was not personally in favor of a blanket ban on social media for under-16s, acknowledged during a press conference that the Labour Party is exploring various options to enhance child protection online. He stated, “No options are off the table” when it comes to safeguarding children from the potential harms associated with social media.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has shown strong support for the proposed ban, insisting on the need for action. A letter signed by 61 Labour MPs, led by Fred Thomas, highlights the “clear” harm caused by addictive content on social media platforms. The MPs argue that countries like Denmark and New Zealand are likely to adopt similar policies to that of Australia, warning that the UK could fall behind if it does not act.
Critics of the proposed ban, including Ian Russell, whose daughter tragically died at 14, caution against what they describe as “hasty, non-evidence based decisions.” They warn that imposing restrictions might push vulnerable youth towards unregulated online environments, which could be more dangerous.
As the debate continues, the House of Lords is expected to vote on the amendment this week, and the outcome could significantly impact the future of social media access for young people in the UK. The outcome of this legislative initiative may set a precedent for how governments address the challenges posed by online platforms in safeguarding children.
