Calls for Stronger Online Safety Measures Follow Murder of Teenager Brianna Ghey
The mother of Brianna Ghey, a victim of a high-profile murder, criticizes proposed changes to the UK’s Online Safety Bill amid growing concerns for youth safety.
Esther Ghey, the mother of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old victim of murder, expressed significant frustration regarding potential adjustments to the UK Government's Online Safety Bill, suggesting these changes may dilute protections for youth online.
Following her daughter's tragic death, which incited nationwide protests and vigils, Ghey highlighted the urgency of addressing online harms impacting young people.
In a recent interview, she asserted that while discussions continue over the bill's strength, it remains vital to consider that young individuals are suffering and, tragically, losing their lives as a result of online influences.
Ghey emphasized that mental health struggles could be exacerbated by harmful online content and advocated for a stringent approach to online safety regulations.
Brianna was murdered on February 11, 2023, by fellow classmates, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, who were 15 years old at the time.
The duo lured her to a Cheshire park, where she was fatally attacked with a hunting knife.
In the wake of this incident, Ghey has engaged with several political leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to vocalize her concerns regarding the Online Safety Act and push for more robust measures.
Ghey has called for tighter restrictions on access to smartphones and social media for minors, an emphasis on mindfulness education in schools, and greater accountability regarding knife crime.
At a film screening dedicated to her daughter’s story, she described the current virtual landscape as a hazardous environment, particularly for young people.
Ghey recounted experiences of encountering harrowing comments online, adding to her concerns about the implications of digital interactions for mental health.
The Government responded by asserting that the Online Safety Act is designed to protect children from harmful content, including issues related to self-harm and eating disorders, while ensuring that online actions reflect offline legalities.
According to the spokesperson, the laws remain a priority for the government, which is committed to implementing them swiftly and effectively.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident highlighting ongoing violence in the UK, Durham Constabulary reported the arrest of two individuals in relation to a shooting incident in Stanley, County Durham.
A 60-year-old man was found shot and pronounced dead at the scene following a disturbance reported by locals.
Authorities have confirmed that a man and a woman, both in their 30s, are in custody under suspicion of conspiracy to murder as investigations continue in the area.
In another troubling event, an 81-year-old cyclist died following a hit-and-run involving a blue Volkswagen Golf in South Yorkshire.
Police are investigating the circumstances following the incident, and arrests have been made.
The UK has witnessed a marked rise in violent crime, with police data revealing 16,288 reported crimes on the London Underground from January to August last year, showcasing a worrying trend amid ongoing public safety concerns.
Recent incidents, including violent attacks and public drug use, have provoked discussions about safety in urban transport networks, particularly on the London Underground where perceived crime rates continue to escalate.
Following her daughter's tragic death, which incited nationwide protests and vigils, Ghey highlighted the urgency of addressing online harms impacting young people.
In a recent interview, she asserted that while discussions continue over the bill's strength, it remains vital to consider that young individuals are suffering and, tragically, losing their lives as a result of online influences.
Ghey emphasized that mental health struggles could be exacerbated by harmful online content and advocated for a stringent approach to online safety regulations.
Brianna was murdered on February 11, 2023, by fellow classmates, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, who were 15 years old at the time.
The duo lured her to a Cheshire park, where she was fatally attacked with a hunting knife.
In the wake of this incident, Ghey has engaged with several political leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to vocalize her concerns regarding the Online Safety Act and push for more robust measures.
Ghey has called for tighter restrictions on access to smartphones and social media for minors, an emphasis on mindfulness education in schools, and greater accountability regarding knife crime.
At a film screening dedicated to her daughter’s story, she described the current virtual landscape as a hazardous environment, particularly for young people.
Ghey recounted experiences of encountering harrowing comments online, adding to her concerns about the implications of digital interactions for mental health.
The Government responded by asserting that the Online Safety Act is designed to protect children from harmful content, including issues related to self-harm and eating disorders, while ensuring that online actions reflect offline legalities.
According to the spokesperson, the laws remain a priority for the government, which is committed to implementing them swiftly and effectively.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident highlighting ongoing violence in the UK, Durham Constabulary reported the arrest of two individuals in relation to a shooting incident in Stanley, County Durham.
A 60-year-old man was found shot and pronounced dead at the scene following a disturbance reported by locals.
Authorities have confirmed that a man and a woman, both in their 30s, are in custody under suspicion of conspiracy to murder as investigations continue in the area.
In another troubling event, an 81-year-old cyclist died following a hit-and-run involving a blue Volkswagen Golf in South Yorkshire.
Police are investigating the circumstances following the incident, and arrests have been made.
The UK has witnessed a marked rise in violent crime, with police data revealing 16,288 reported crimes on the London Underground from January to August last year, showcasing a worrying trend amid ongoing public safety concerns.
Recent incidents, including violent attacks and public drug use, have provoked discussions about safety in urban transport networks, particularly on the London Underground where perceived crime rates continue to escalate.
