Member

During my meeting with Molly Russell’s father this week, we had one of the most thoughtful and constructive meetings I have had in a long time. Whatever the outcome of today, we have agreed to work together going forward. His campaigning has been principled and tireless and is rooted in love for his daughter. Respectfully, I believe that some of the arguments that have been put forward against the ban do not withstand scrutiny. Children do not need social media platforms to find protection, belonging or community. Childhood social networks existed a long time before algorithmic-driven platforms were optimised for engagement and profit. I accept the comments of my great friend the noble Viscount, Lord Colville, about children who are vulnerable when they lose their networks, but, with difficult issues such as this and difficult laws, you have to govern for the majority while being mindful that some minorities will suffer. What is causing more harm? I believe that social media, wholesale, is operating in a way that is causing huge harm for under-16s.