‘Why would you put a toxic product into the hands of a young child?’: director turned activist Beeban Kidron on why big tech needs its ‘tobacco moment’

Beeban Kidron, a director turned activist, has voiced her concerns about the dangers of technology for children, emphasizing the need for a significant shift in how big tech companies operate, akin to the tobacco industry's reckoning. Her experiences as an online safety campaigner have revealed disturbing realities about children's interactions with digital platforms.

Kidron's advocacy highlights the urgent need for reform in online safety regulations, as she argues that the current state of technology poses serious risks to young users, particularly in terms of exploitation and mental health.

The discussion around social media's impact on youth is intensifying, with a significant majority of UK parents supporting a ban on under-16s using these platforms, reflecting widespread concerns about addiction and safety. This growing parental apprehension contrasts with the varied opinions of teenagers themselves, indicating a complex landscape of digital engagement that requires careful navigation.