THE mother of murdered Warrington teenager Brianna Ghey has expressed “incredible disappointment” that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with social media companies before speaking with bereaved families over online child safety.
Esther Ghey has now issued an urgent call for a meeting with the Prime Minister, warning that delays in addressing online child safety are continuing to cost young lives.
In a strongly worded letter, Ms Ghey—whose daughter Brianna was murdered in 2023—asked the Prime Minister to meet directly with families affected by harmful online content, arguing that their voices must be heard alongside those of major technology companies.
She wrote: “I am writing to request an urgent meeting with you alongside bereaved families who have been profoundly affected by the harms associated with online platforms.”
Ms Ghey expressed “incredible disappointment” that Starmer had met with social media companies before speaking with families. “While we understand the importance of engaging with industry,” the letter states, “it is of equal importance that you hear directly from those who have experienced the devastating consequences.”
The appeal comes amid growing concern about the role of online content in influencing vulnerable young people. Ms Ghey referenced a previous meeting with Starmer prior to his election, where youth mental health was discussed. “I greatly appreciated the time, care and attention you dedicated to the issue then,” she wrote, urging him to act with similar urgency now.
At the heart of the campaign is a demand for stronger protections for children online. “It is so urgent that governments act to protect children and young people,” the letter continues, stressing that firsthand accounts from affected families could help shape more effective policy.
Ms Ghey acknowledged the imbalance of power between families and tech giants. “We may not have the financial influence of large corporations,” she wrote, “but what we do have is an unwavering determination to ensure no child or parent has to endure the pain and suffering we experienced.”
The letter closes with a stark warning: “Every day we delay is another day that our children are exposed to the harms associated with online platforms, and more lives are lost.”
A family photo of Brianna Ghey
Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old from Warrington, was murdered by two teenagers in a case that shocked the UK and sparked wider conversations about online culture, bullying, and exposure to harmful material. Since her death, her mother has become a prominent advocate for online safety and mental health awareness, calling for systemic changes to better protect young people.
Ms Ghey is joined in her appeal by multiple families who have lost children in circumstances linked to online harms. Together, they say they are seeking not just recognition, but meaningful action.
“We want to share our stories,” the letter concludes, “to make clear why it’s so important that the government urgently takes meaningful action.”
Ms. Ghey has also been leading the campaign to ban mobile phones in schools due to online child safety issues.
