A group of British parents who believe social media played a part in the death of their children have travelled to the US to demand better online safety protections for children. Four families flew to New York City to take part ina protest with hundreds of other parents outside the offices of Meta - owner of Facebook and Instagram. "All we're asking for is can you please help us protect our children," said Mark Kenevan, father of Isaac who died aged 13 from taking part in a social media challenge. Their visit comes as media regulator Ofcom announced that websites will belegally required to block children's access to harmful contentfrom July to continue operating in the UK. Websites will also have to introduce more rigorous age checks, according to its final children's code of practice published on Thursday. BBC Breakfast followed the four British families on their mission in the US. Lisa Kenevan, mother of Isaac, said the families banding together had given each other strength. "We just want government, we want tech companies to understand that we are getting stronger, our voices are getting stronger, and we're not going to go away," she said. A coroner ruled that Isaac had died in 2022 as a result of misadventure, but the Kenevans say social media platforms were also to blame. This year they were among several families who filed awrongful death lawsuit against TikTokin the US, which accuses the platform of pushing dangerous prank and challenge videos to children to boost engagement time. Maia Walsh's family, who are part of the lawsuit, also believe the 13-year-old died from injuries while taking part inanonline challenge. Aninquest into her death will examine her use of TikTok. Her father Liam Walsh, talking about the New York protest, told BBC Breakfast: "I feel as though we're getting recognition for what happened to our children, because there is something in it - it's not just desperate parents clutching at straws. "We're slowly revealing what happened to our children, and this is part of that movement." TikTok says it prohibits dangerous content or challenges on the platform, and directs those who search for hashtags or videos to its safety centre. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, says it also shares the goal of keeping teens safe online and had recently introduced "teen accounts" with enhanced protections. "We believe teens deserve consistent protections across all the different apps they use - not just our platforms," Meta said in a statement. Also among the parents in New York is Ellen Roome, who believes her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney died after an online challenge went wrong in 2022 and his social media accounts could provide the evidence needed. An inquest into his death found he took his own life. "[He was] just a normal, lovely boy. Not one moment in our life did we think we would be in this position... there was nothing that gave us any indication that there was a problem," Ms Roome said, who is campaigning for legislation to grant parents access to their children's social media accounts if they die. "I almost want to tell parents 'you don't know what your children are looking at'. "This isn't for our children because it's too late, but for them to have that conversation with their children about what are they looking at, what are they seeing." The BBC previously approached TikTok, X, Snapchat, Discord and Meta - which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads - to ask about Ms Roome's case. None of them gave a formal response, but a spokesperson from Snapchat previously said: "Our hearts go out to Ms Roome and her family for the loss of Jools. "We have extra protections for under 18s and offer parental tools so parents can see who their teens are communicating with and report any concerns." A spokesperson for TikTok has also previously said the company had removed 99% of videos showing or promoting dangerous content before it was reported by a user. Also among the parents in New York was Lorin LaFave, mother of 14-year-oldBreck Bednar who was lured to his deathin 2014 after being groomed online whilst gaming. The online safety campaigner, who now shares Breck's story in schools through the Breck Foundation, said: "I would love to see age restrictions. For me I think children need their childhood longer. "They're being exposed to so much adult content and adult relationships too soon, too young, and you're only a child once." On Wednesday night Ms Roome and Mrs Kenevan also met with some grieving American families, who they will join forces with to protest against the tech industry and to campaign for a safer online world.
Bereaved parents demand tech firms 'protect children'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"British Parents Protest in US for Stricter Online Safety Measures for Children"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
A group of bereaved British parents has traveled to New York City to advocate for enhanced online safety measures for children, believing that social media contributed to the tragic deaths of their children. Four families participated in a protest outside the offices of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, joining hundreds of other parents in voicing their concerns. Mark Kenevan, whose 13-year-old son Isaac died after participating in a social media challenge, expressed the collective plea of the families, stating, "All we're asking for is can you please help us protect our children." Their visit coincides with new regulations announced by Ofcom, the UK media regulator, which will require websites to block children's access to harmful content starting in July. The families have gained strength from their shared experiences, as Lisa Kenevan remarked on the solidarity formed among them, emphasizing that their voices are growing stronger and that they will not be silenced in their quest for justice and change.
The parents are not only seeking accountability from tech companies but have also taken legal action, filing a wrongful death lawsuit against TikTok in the United States. They allege that the platform promotes dangerous challenges and content to children. Maia Walsh's family, also part of the lawsuit, believes her 13-year-old daughter died from injuries sustained while participating in an online challenge. An inquest into her death will investigate her TikTok use. Ellen Roome, who lost her son Jools, advocates for legislation that would allow parents access to their deceased children's social media accounts. She aims to raise awareness among parents about the potential dangers their children face online. Other parents at the protest, like Lorin LaFave, emphasize the need for age restrictions to protect children from adult content. The movement is gaining traction, with parents from both the UK and the US uniting to demand safer online environments for children, highlighting the urgent need for tech companies to take responsibility for the content they host.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the emotional and powerful advocacy of bereaved parents in the UK, who are seeking accountability from tech companies regarding online safety for children. Their tragic experiences with social media challenges have propelled them to take action, highlighting the urgent need for reform in how children interact with digital platforms.
Motivation Behind the Article
The parents' trip to the U.S. and their protest against Meta is a clear call for enhanced safety measures for children on social media. Their objective is to ensure that tech companies take their responsibilities seriously in protecting young users from harmful content. The article's focus on their grief and activism aims to evoke empathy and raise awareness of the dangers children face online. This serves to amplify their message about the need for stronger regulations and protections.
Public Sentiment and Perception
This news piece is likely intended to create a sense of urgency and support for the bereaved families' cause. It captures public attention by emphasizing the emotional weight of their experiences and the collective strength they have found in one another. By portraying the parents as advocates rather than just grieving individuals, the article suggests that their fight is both righteous and necessary, potentially rallying public support.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article does not explicitly reveal any hidden agendas, it may unintentionally downplay the role of parental responsibility in monitoring children's online activities. By focusing primarily on tech companies' accountability, it could obscure the need for comprehensive education and awareness among parents and guardians about digital safety.
Manipulative Elements
The article carries a certain level of emotional manipulation, primarily through the use of personal stories that evoke sympathy and outrage. By sharing the specific circumstances surrounding the children's deaths, it aims to draw attention to the broader issue of online safety, which may lead some readers to adopt a one-sided view regarding the responsibility of social media companies.
Comparison with Other News
This article connects with a growing narrative in media regarding the need for stricter regulations on social media platforms, especially as incidents involving children continue to rise. Similar reports have emerged, focusing on the impact of digital content on youth, suggesting a pattern in how media portrays the intersection of technology and childhood safety.
Impact on Society, Economy, and Politics
The advocacy of these families could lead to increased pressure on governments and tech companies to implement stricter regulations, which may result in significant policy changes regarding online safety. This shift could influence the tech industry economically, as companies may need to invest more in safety measures and compliance with new regulations. Moreover, it could spark political debates on the responsibilities of tech firms and the role of government in protecting vulnerable populations.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article is likely to resonate with parents, educators, and child advocacy groups who are concerned about the safety of children in the digital age. It aims to unify these communities under a common goal of ensuring safer online environments for children.
Market Implications
The news may have implications for the stock of social media companies, especially if it leads to regulatory changes that affect their operational practices. Investors may respond to increased scrutiny and potential legal liabilities by reassessing their positions in companies like Meta and TikTok.
Global Context and Relevance
From a global perspective, this issue reflects ongoing concerns about the influence of social media on youth worldwide. The article's focus on a specific incident extends to broader discussions about digital safety, particularly as similar incidents occur in other countries, further emphasizing the relevance of this topic in today's discourse.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Reporting
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in writing this article. However, if AI tools were employed, they could have influenced the framing of the narrative or the selection of quotes to emphasize emotional impact. The use of AI in journalism often focuses on data analysis or trend identification, which might not be directly applicable to the personal stories shared in this piece.
In conclusion, the article presents a compelling narrative that calls for action regarding children's safety online while also raising questions about accountability in the tech industry. It effectively utilizes emotional appeal to engage readers and advocate for change, although it may simplify complex issues surrounding digital safety.