Criticism comes after UK report shows ‘clear and persistent problem’ six years after death of Molly Russell
Social media firms have been accused of a “despicable” failure to act on harmful content after new research showed that material related to suicide, self-harm and depression is still prevalent on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest six years after Molly Russell’s death.
Michelle Donelan, the technology secretary, spoke after the Molly Rose Foundation, a suicide prevention charity established by Molly’s family, published a report showing a “clear and persistent problem” with readily available and discoverable harmful content on the platforms.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
