Molly Russell coroner calls for review of children’s social media access

Molly Russell died in November 2017 after viewing material on social media linked to anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide. Photograph: Family handout/PA

The coroner at Molly Russell’s inquest has recommended that the government consider separate social media platforms for children and adults as he called for a review of child use of online content.

The senior coroner Andrew Walker, who presided over the inquest into 14-year-old Molly’s death, has issued safety recommendations that focus on child access to social media content. Molly, from Harrow, north-west London, died in November 2017 after viewing extensive amounts of material related to suicide, depression, anxiety and self-harm on platforms including Instagram and Pinterest.