A mother whose 11-year-old son died in 2021 believes he would still be alive if a social media ban for under-16s had been in place. Louise Gibson’s son, Noah, was found by his brother in their Kidderminster home, Worcestershire, in what the family suspects was a tragic outcome of an online 'blackout challenge'.
Ms Gibson expressed her support for the government’s recently announced ban on social media access for under-16s, stating it would save lives and alleviate parental anxiety. She reflected on her decision to allow Noah social media access during the Covid-19 lockdowns, partly influenced by his desire to connect with friends who were also online. Ms Gibson highlighted the hidden dangers of the online world, contrasting it with traditional 'stranger danger' warnings that typically apply outside the home.
The proposed ban, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is expected to come into effect in early 2027. It will encompass major platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Ms Gibson emphasised the potential positive impact, stating, "If it saves one child then it's a bonus and it's definitely going to save more than that."
In October, Ms Gibson joined four other families in a lawsuit against TikTok in the United States, filed through the Social Media Victims Law Centre. The families are seeking to obtain data from TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, hoping it will shed light on the circumstances surrounding their children's deaths. TikTok is currently attempting to dismiss the filing, citing a lack of jurisdiction and established US law that bars liability for third-party content.
Despite the legal challenges, Ms Gibson remains hopeful, noting several ongoing court cases in the US involving social media companies. She voiced her aspiration for the UK to lead internationally on this issue, urging the implementation of stringent restrictions and tighter algorithmic controls. Her advocacy underscores a growing national conversation about child safety in the digital age and the responsibilities of social media platforms.