Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, is urging for a ban on social media and smartphones for individuals under the age of 16, following events that have been linked to the viewing of harmful online content.
Ghey believes that the Online Safety Bill is a “step in the right direction” but doesn’t consider it to be sufficient. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today, she said, “The Online Safety Bill does not protect children and young people from seeing such horrific content, as I don’t think it will be classified as harmful. Smartphone manufacturers should have moral responsibility and truly want to do more.”
Actress and activist Sophie Winkleman also supports calls to equip students with “brick” phones that don’t have social media applications. Winkleman, a mother of two, stated on the Telegraph’s Planet Normal podcast, “Something has to happen from above. I don’t understand how anyone can defend the use of social media and smartphones by individuals under 16 years old.”
Earlier, Conservative MP Miriam Cates asked the Prime Minister, during Prime Minister’s Questions, whether it was time to consider a complete ban on individuals under the age of 16 using smartphones, referring to the case of 14-year-old Mai Janin, who reportedly took her own life. It was revealed during the investigation that male students allegedly used a group chat to mock 14-year-old Mai before her death.
Do you agree with the ban on smartphone usage for individuals under 16 years old?
Frequently Asked Questions about the ban on social media and smartphones for individuals under 16 years old:
1. Why are there growing demands for such a ban?
The presence of harmful online content that can negatively impact young people has led to an increase in calls for a ban on social media and smartphones for individuals under the age of 16.
2. What events have contributed to the rise in these calls?
The case of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, who viewed harmful online content, and the suicide of 14-year-old Mai Janin, who was subjected to bullying by peers in an online group chat, are examples of events that have sparked greater interest in this issue.
3. What are the suggestions for the ban?
Some, like Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered Brianna Ghey, demand the removal of social media applications from teenagers’ phones. Others suggest that students should use “brick” phones that don’t have social media applications.
4. What is the government’s stance on this issue?
The government considers the Online Safety Bill to be a “step in the right direction,” but some feel it is not sufficient. There are voices suggesting that smartphone manufacturers should take greater responsibility and do more.
5. Are there other individuals supporting the ban?
Actress Sophie Winkleman and politician Miriam Cates also support the introduction of a ban on social media and smartphones for individuals under the age of 16.
6. Does society agree with the ban on smartphone usage for individuals under 16 years old?
This is a contentious issue. Some are firmly in favor of such a ban, emphasizing the negative consequences for young people, while others believe it is too draconian and that responsibility should lie more with parents and schools.
Recommended Related Links:
– BBC
– Telegraph
The source of the article is from the blog agogs.sk