‘A tsunami of harm’: views on tackling online safety for under-16s in the UK

C hange is coming for social media platforms. The UK government’s consultation on improving online safety for children will result in some form of action being taken against big tech. Even before the deadline for submissions has passed, ministers have pledged to introduce an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s or restrictions on “addictive” features such as infinite scrolling. There is overwhelming pressure from safety campaigners and MPs for a further crackdown on social media platforms, despite the introduction of the Online Safety Act, which requires tech firms to shield children from harmful content. The deadline for contributions is Tuesday night and the government has promised to act swiftly. Here is what some key contributors to the debate think should happen. Ian Russell, 62, father of Molly Russell ‘This is an opportunity to go much further than a blanket ban.’ Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian Russell, a prominent online safety campaigner, wants action that “turns the tide on the tsunami of unacceptable and avoidable harm”. Russell’s 14-year-old daughter Molly took her own life after watching harmful content on Instagram and Pinterest. He is not in favour of a blanket under-16s ban for major platforms, as in Australia, believing it would form a “cliff edge” that would expose teenagers to harmful content on unreformed platforms as soon as they are old enough. …