Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, expressed her doubts about social media companies prioritizing profit over lives. Speaking at the screening of ITV’s new documentary, Brianna: A Mother’s Story, Esther delved into the tragic death of her 16-year-old daughter, who was killed by two teenagers. Scarlet Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, both 15 at the time, enticed Brianna to a park in Cheshire where she was brutally stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife on February 11, 2023.
The documentary, running for 75 minutes, commemorates Brianna’s life and includes heartfelt interviews with three of her friends. It also delves into the challenges surrounding online safety. Brianna, a transgender individual, grappled with mental health issues exacerbated by exposure to harmful content on various platforms, most notably the dark web. From a young age, Jenkinson delved into disturbing content involving violence, murder fantasies, and an interest in serial killers.
Esther Ghey, while sharing her story in the documentary, expressed her desire to seek answers from social media companies regarding online safety. She emphasized the importance of portraying her family’s truth and unveiling the essence of Brianna. Ghey’s relentless efforts in driving change towards safer online spaces have been deeply influenced by the tragic loss of her child. She highlighted the urgency of implementing stricter regulations for social media platforms, especially in protecting minors from the harmful effects of online interactions.
In her pursuit of advocating for online safety and combating cyberbullying, Esther Ghey has engaged with political leaders like Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former figure Rishi Sunak to address critical issues. She has pushed for stringent measures such as age restrictions on smartphone usage, tighter controls on social media access, and the integration of mindfulness practices in educational curriculums. Ghey’s poignant narrative sheds light on the imperative need to safeguard children’s well-being both online and offline
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