Ian Russell acknowledged his contribution to online child safety through the establishment of the Molly Rose Foundation, reflecting on Molly’s legacy. He emphasises the Foundation’s aim to prevent such tragedies by addressing the negative effects of online content. The Foundation’s report highlighted social media’s handling failures regarding self-harm and suicide content, urging essential changes. Russell stressed the importance of initiating conversations on online safety, mental health, and suicide prevention, advocating for better corporate responsibility from tech platforms. He expressed disbelief and pride in receiving the MBE, attributing it to the collective efforts of many working toward a safer online space.
Alice Hendy, recognized for her service to online safety, developed Ripple after losing her brother, Josh, to suicide. Russell praised Hendy’s courage and the tool’s impact, advocating its wider adoption. Hendy humbly accepted the MBE, emphasizing Ripple’s purpose to honour her brother’s memory and prevent others from experiencing similar lows. She expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting Ripple’s positive impact in helping those in need, all in honour of her late brother, Josh.
Molly Russell’s father, Ian Russell, was honoured with an MBE for his endeavours in online child safety and founding the Molly Rose Foundation following Molly’s tragic passing. He expressed that Molly, a caring soul, would have found the limelight odd but would be proud to aid those struggling with mental health. The foundation highlighted flaws in social media platforms’ handling of self-harm content and is pushing for regulatory improvements. Similarly, Alice Hendy, creator of the Ripple suicide prevention tool, received an MBE for her remarkable efforts, motivated by the loss of her brother. Ian Russell praised her exceptional courage and innovation, expressing astonishment that her tool hasn’t gained wider adoption. Hendy expressed humility, attributing her work to her brother’s memory and hoping to prevent others from reaching such lows.
The recognition of Ian Russell’s efforts in online child safety and Alice Hendy’s dedication to suicide prevention marks a pivotal acknowledgement of their impactful work. Russell, through the Molly Rose Foundation, and Hendy, with Ripple, exemplify resilience in the face of personal tragedy, striving to create safer digital spaces. Their relentless pursuit of preventing similar heartbreaking incidents underscores the importance of collective action. These MBE accolades symbolize not just individual achievements but the ongoing commitment to safeguarding mental health and online well-being. Through their initiatives, Russell and Hendy inspire a global conversation, emphasizing the urgency for systemic changes to ensure a safer, more empathetic digital landscape.