Brianna Ghey's mother supports under-16 social media ban

The mother of Brianna Ghey, a transgender teen who was murdered in February 2023, supports a ban on social media for children under 16. Brianna was killed by two 15-year-olds, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, who are serving life sentences. They attacked her in a park, stabbing her multiple times. Esther Ghey, Brianna's mother, spoke during a screening of a documentary about her daughter. She criticized social media companies for allowing harmful content and prioritizing profits over safety. She described social media as an "absolute cesspit," mentioning the hurtful comments about Brianna that she often encounters when reading online. Esther has campaigned for stricter age controls on smartphone use. She believes that children under 16 should not have social media accounts. The dangers of online influences have gained attention, especially after a dramatic portrayal of violence motivated by online communities. Brianna's case revealed that social media influenced her killers. They exchanged many messages before the crime, with Jenkinson showing interest in violent content. Esther warned that children can be radicalized online, no matter how supportive their home environment is. She highlighted the risks of exposure to harmful challenges and toxic ideologies online. In response to growing concerns, Australia has introduced new regulations aimed at increasing safety on social media platforms. The legislation has general support, though some experts caution that social media can also have positive effects for marginalized youth.