Jesy Nelson backs under-16 social media ban to protect daughters

Jesy Nelson backs under-16 social media ban to protect daughters

Jesy Nelson, formerly of Little Mix, has openly discussed the harmful effects of social media on her mental health, describing online trolling as the “downfall” of her wellbeing. Having first faced harsh criticism after her debut on The X Factor in 2011, Jesy now advocates for banning social media use among under-16s in the UK, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to enjoy their youth without the pressures associated with these platforms. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, she expressed understanding of the challenges parents face, noting the difficult balance when one child is restricted from social media and risks being bullied by peers who are not.

Jesy’s recent documentary, *Life After Little Mix* on Prime Video, offers a heartfelt look at her transition into motherhood alongside her personal struggles. The film highlights the complications she endured during her pregnancy, including her twin daughters’ diagnosis with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome—a rare and serious condition affecting twins sharing a placenta. After a difficult operation and premature birth at 31 weeks, Jesy’s concerns deepened when her mother noticed unusual movements in the twins’ legs. Subsequent tests revealed both Ocean and Story have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe muscle weakness and can be fatal within two years without treatment.

Jesy candidly shares her motivations for allowing cameras to document this journey, initially intended to capture joyful memories but becoming a platform to raise awareness about SMA. She acknowledges that her original expectations were shattered but is deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase her daughters’ strength and resilience. Despite being informed that the girls may never walk or regain neck strength, and facing numerous weekly hospital visits, Jesy focuses on their happiness, describing the situation as “all we really can do.” She credits the support of her family, friends, and the twins’ father, musician Zion Foster, though admits the past year has been “really stressful” and “traumatic” for both of them, with co-parenting their main priority.

The documentary also delves into Jesy’s complex feelings about her career, including her departure from Little Mix in 2020 and the backlash she faced over accusations of “blackfishing” following her debut solo single. Jesy maintains she never intended to offend and speaks openly about the mental toll that public scrutiny and online abuse took on her, noting therapy has helped her gain perspective. Reflecting on her time with The X Factor, she calls it a “bittersweet relationship,” expressing that more should have been done to safeguard artists’ mental health. Currently, Jesy’s focus remains firmly on her daughters and advocating for wider screening for SMA in newborns, collaborating recently with health officials to promote expanded NHS testing

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More