Rebecca Whittington, The Daily Mirror's Online Safety Editor, voices her concerns regarding the UK government's approach to protecting children online. She emphasizes that while modifications to the Online Safety Act are a step forward, implementing a blanket ban on social media for children under 16 could be excessive. Whittington acknowledges the risks present on social media, especially for young users, but advocates for a systematic overhaul rather than prohibition.

As a parent of teens and tweens, Whittington understands the challenges of safeguarding children from harmful online content. She reflects on the temptation to have external controls that could protect children from the darker sides of the internet. However, she stresses that such measures should not come at the cost of completely removing access to social media, as it serves as an essential platform for social interaction and expression among youth.

Whittington's perspective is rooted in her expertise in online safety, where she has witnessed firsthand the complexities and dangers of the digital landscape. Her call for reform indicates a need for improvements in regulations that can be adapted to the rapidly changing tech environment, ensuring that children can engage with social media safely while still benefiting from its positive aspects.