Molly Russell's dad says PM rushing social media restrictions 'deplorable'

The father of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful content online has said he is "dismayed" by reports the government is to ban young people from using some social media platforms.

Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Sir Keir Starmer had "rushed" an announcement and that he could "not think of a reason other than a political reason".

"If he's playing politics, what he's doing is gambling with young people's lives, and I find that deplorable."

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "We have undertaken a thorough consultation and will set out next steps in due course."

They added: "The prime minister has been clear that the status quo is not good enough and we need to do more to protect children.

"This is not about politics - it is about protecting children."

In recent weeks, government ministers have examined a variety of options for restrictions, including a blanket ban on under-16s accessing social media, as has been introduced in Australia.

Since Molly took her own life aged 14 in 2017, Russell has campaigned for better online protections for children - but has said "implementing sledgehammer techniques like bans" would only cause "more problems".