Online safety laws to be toughened to make blocking of self-harm content a legal requirement

Social media companies will be legally required to prevent users from promoting self-harm, under strengthened rules announced by the government today.

The new rules mean that platforms will need to take measures to block such content from appearing in the first place, rather than just taking it down after it has been published.

Currently, the Online Safety Act requires companies to proactively prevent the publication of content that encourages suicide, but not material encouraging self-harm.

The change, announced by technology secretary Liz Kendall on Monday, is expected to come into force this Autumn.

The announcement was welcomed by Molly Rose Foundation, a suicide prevention charity which had been campaigning for this change to the rules.

The charity was set up in memory of schoolgirl Molly Russell, who died from an act of self-harm in 2017.

An inquest later found that online content related to suicide, self-harm and depression had contributed to her death.

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Technology secretary Liz Kendall said: "Vile content that promotes self-harm continues to be pushed on social media and can mean potentially heart-wrenching consequences for families across the country.

"Our enhanced protections will make clear to social media companies that taking immediate steps to keep users safe from toxic material that could be the difference between life and death is not an option, but the law."

In March, the National Crime Agency warned of the "unprecedented risk" posed to children by so-called "Com networks" - groups known to groom children into self-harm and sexual abuse.

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Sky News spoke to one woman whose daughter fell victim to a suspected Com member, who encouraged her to send pictures of self-harm.

"Coercing and grooming young people to harm themselves is now at the frontline of self-harm risks online and presents a growing and sadistic threat to children," said Andy Burrows, chief executive of Molly Rose Foundation.

"Molly Rose Foundation has long called for self-harm offences to be considered a priority harm under the Online Safety Act so we strongly welcome the government's action in the face of this rapidly increasing threat."

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.