The time for Tik Tok is over

Daughter of Gers legend hails 'safe' smartphones as solution to online thuggery | Calls for Australia-style ban as tech giants blasted for doing little to stop bullies

- RUTH SUTER

THE daughter of Rangers legend lain Ferguson has backed calls for the Scottish Government to "catch up" with an international social media ban for children.

Kelsey Ferguson, 34, who was tormented online by bullies in her youth, has said a ban on social media apps would be "beneficial" for kids under the age of 16 amid a youth violence epidemic.

The mum of one, however, said tech giants must do more to protect youngsters from harm after a sickening series of attacks on teens were filmed and uploaded online in Scotland for likes and popularity.

Her calls come after Australia became the first country to ban social media apps such as Tik Tok for children under the age of 16.

The ban, which will not take effect for at least 12 months, could see tech companies fined up to £25.7million if they don't comply.

The country has instead already introduced "safe" smartphones for children, giving them the benefit of having a phone to access the internet but without social media apps.

Kelsey told the Record: "It was bad when I was growing up but it is even worse now.

"I was taunted and threatened online, but what we see now is full-scale beatings and attacks on children on almost every platform. I think a ban would be beneficial.

"If safe smartphones were introduced, it would still allow us parents to communicate with our kids when they're out with pals while keeping them safe from the harms of the internet.

"Social media companies should also be picking up the buck and doing more to protect young people online.