Without social media our son Josh Hall might still be alive'

Without social media our son Josh Hall might still be alive' describes how the parents of Joshua Hall argue that social media can shape behavior and intensify conflicts in real life. The family supports proposals to restrict social media use for children under 16, and similar concerns are echoed by Cheltenham mother Ellen Roome, whose son Jools died in what she believes was an online challenge gone wrong. Experts cited in the article say the link between social media and violence is complex, while worries about harms to young people are rising. Hannah Swirsky, head of policy and public affairs at the Internet Watch Foundation, said the key need is age-appropriate experiences and a safer internet, and that no single law will eliminate the problem. She also criticized that new legislation may not address restrictions on messaging platforms, noting harms can occur in end-to-end encrypted environments.