Protecting children from online harm

WARNING: Contains upsetting content about suicide.

Hundreds of parents who believe social media played a part in the death of their children gathered in New York recently. Standing outside the offices of Meta – owners of Facebook and Instagram – they had a simple demand. Protect our children.

Showing incredible bravery, three mothers who’ve lost their sons tell us about their boys and what happened to them. They talk about the rally and why they are so united.

Hollie’s son Archie died, aged just 12. She believes a TikTok challenge contributed to his death. “When you give your child a mobile phone you’re just allowing a billion strangers into your own home.”

“We are all fighting for change whether that’s through legislation or through legal action against these big tech companies,” says Maureen, whose 16 year-old son David took his own life after months of online bullying.

“We all, in memory of our children, want to make sure that no other family has to walk in the same shoes that we walk in. There’s going to be an incredible sadness and regret and grief that I’m going to experience for the rest of my life.”

Presenter: Mark Lowen
BBC producer: Angela Sheeran
Boffin Media producer: Sue Nelson
An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC OS team.

If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

In the UK a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

(Photo: Hollie with her son Archie. Credit: Hollie)