Newscast The Under-16s Social Media Ban Debate
Jan 17, 2026
Ian Russell, a dedicated campaigner for online safety, shares his heartfelt story following the tragic loss of his daughter, Molly, in 2017. He argues against a blanket social media ban for under-16s, emphasizing that it could hinder digital learning and let platforms evade responsibility. The conversation dives into the implications of Australia's similar ban, the potential unintended harms, and the critical need for robust enforcement of the Online Safety Act. Ian also highlights the positive aspects of social media for minority youth and calls for urgent action from tech companies.
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Personal Loss That Sparked Campaigning
- Ian Russell described how his daughter Molly took her own life and an inquest found social media content contributed “more than minimally.”
- His personal loss drove eight years of campaigning for safer online environments.
Ban Risks Missing The Root Cause
- Ian argues a blanket ban penalises children and avoids tackling the real source: platform design and algorithms.
- He warns a ban removes pressure on companies to change their harmful business models.
Australia Shows Early Unintended Harms
- Early reports from Australia show unintended harms like increased helpline calls after the ban.
- Young people may lose online support networks, worsening isolation for vulnerable groups.