A recent report from the Molly Rose Foundation (MRF) has highlighted the concerning issue of online dangers targeting young individuals in gaming platforms, livestreams, and chat rooms. The foundation, established by Molly Russell’s family, emphasizes the pressing threat beyond social media platforms.

Molly Russell tragically took her own life at the age of 14 after being exposed to harmful content on social media. Her father, Ian, advocates against a blanket social media ban for under 16s, fearing it could drive youngsters to even darker corners of the internet, ultimately evading accountability from tech companies.

The MRF has joined forces with safety organization Resolver to release a new report shedding light on so-called Com networks preying on and coercing young victims into perpetrating violence and abuse. These networks, globally connected, are linked to severe cyberbullying, exploitation, violence, crime, and abuse, raising concerns from law enforcement agencies like the National Crime Agency and FBI.

The exploitation by Com networks often involves targeting young individuals for sexual abuse, pushing them toward offline violence and self-harm, and coercing them into harmful acts, including suicide encouragement. An alarming case cited in Resolver’s report describes a teenage girl groomed into sending child sexual abuse material, engaging in harmful chat rooms, and being manipulated into promoting self-harm and suicide among others.

In response to these distressing developments, the MRF urges the Government to enhance and broaden the Online Safety Act to tackle these emerging threats effectively. The foundation warns that the current regulatory framework is ill-equipped to combat the dangers posed by Com groups.

Andy Burrows, chief executive of MRF, stresses the critical need for a swift and comprehensive response to address the escalating threat posed by Com networks. Jess Phillips, safeguarding minister, underscores the necessity of combating online platforms where children are coerced into heinous acts, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) echoes the concerns, highlighting the rise in teenage boys engaging in criminal online communities, perpetrating crimes ranging from cybercrimes to coercion of victims into harmful activities. The NCA is actively coordinating efforts to combat these online harm networks in the UK.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance online safety, the Government is currently seeking input on various measures, including potentially implementing a social media ban for individuals under 16 and introducing app restrictions or curfews.