Father Says He Has ‘No Doubt’ Social Media Content Contributed To His Teen Daughter’s Suicide

When 14-year-old Molly Russell died in 2017, her cell phone contained graphic images of self-harm. Investigators initially ruled the British teen’s death a suicide. Almost five years later, a British coroner’s court reversed the findings and now claims Molly died “from an act of self-harm while suffering from depression and the negative effects of online content.” “What we’ve seen that Molly saw and saved and liked on her social media accounts, we have no doubt, contributed to making her feel worse and, in the end, taking her own life,” says Molly’s father, Ian. Ian insists his daughter showed no obvious signs of mental ill-health before her death and has “no doubt whatsoever” that the content Molly was engaging with online contributed to her decision to end her life. Watch the video above to hear more about Molly’s story. This episode of Dr. Phil, “Triggered: Is Social Media Pushing Girls to Self-Harm?” airs Tuesday. Check your local listing for airtimes. WATCH: “When You’re On Social Media You’re Not The Customer – You’re The Product,” Says Attorney TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Life in crisis?