In the wake of a graphic video showing Charlie Kirk’s assassination spreading across TikTok and other platforms, this blog by Andy Mitchell calls for stronger UK regulation of social media to protect children. Drawing from a personal encounter at a school where students casually discussed the video, the post highlights the urgent need to address youth desensitisation to violence and the growing mental health crisis linked to unfiltered online content.

Under the Online Safety Act, most UK schools are not required to conduct children’s access assessments unless they operate platforms that allow public user-generated content or function as search engines. However, schools still play a vital role in online safety and should review their digital platforms, update social media policies, and educate staff and students to align with the spirit of the legislation and protect children online.