Esther Ghey is a prominent British campaigner and author who became a leading voice in social policy following the tragic murder of her daughter, Brianna Ghey, in February 2023. Based in Warrington, Esther channeled her grief into the “Brianna Ghey Legacy Project” (formerly Peace and Mind UK), an initiative dedicated to introducing mindfulness training in schools and advocating for stricter regulations on smartphone and social media use for children under 16. Her advocacy has reached the highest levels of UK government, including direct consultations with Prime Ministers and influential appearances before the House of Commons. As of 2026, her efforts have been instrumental in a nationwide debate over a statutory ban on smartphones in schools and the implementation of “child-safe” mobile hardware.
The Genesis of Advocacy
Esther Ghey’s public life began following the “frenzied” attack on her 16-year-old daughter, Brianna, in Culcheth Linear Park. While initially a shy and private individual, Esther quickly realized that the digital world had played a significant role in the tragedy, noting that the perpetrators had accessed extreme torture content online.
She resolved that “something good must come of this,” leading to the birth of her first campaign. This initial effort focused on the intersection of mental health and digital addiction, areas where she felt Brianna had been particularly vulnerable in the years leading up to her death.
Brianna Ghey Legacy Project
Originally launched as “Peace and Mind UK” in partnership with the Warrington Guardian, the organization was rebranded in August 2025 to the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project. The project’s primary mission is to provide mindfulness training for teachers, who then pass these techniques to their students to build emotional resilience.
The project has successfully raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, enough to train a mindfulness teacher in every school in Warrington. Esther believes that if children are equipped with self-compassion and focus, they are better protected against the addictive and often toxic nature of unregulated social media.
Phone Free Education Campaign
In late 2025 and early 2026, Esther partnered with high-profile figures like Kate Winslet to launch the “Phone Free Education” campaign. This movement calls for a statutory ban on smartphones during the school day, supported by government funding for lockable pouches or secure storage.
Esther argues that smartphones in schools are a safeguarding crisis, citing 120 safeguarding logs related to Brianna’s phone use during her school years. The campaign aims to turn classrooms back into spaces of “focus and face-to-face connection” rather than digital distraction.
Social Media Age Restrictions
Beyond the school gates, Esther is a staunch advocate for a legal ban on social media for children under the age of 16. In January 2026, she wrote a powerful open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the government to back an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
She proposes the creation of “child-safe” phones that lack social media apps and include software that automatically flags red-flag keywords to parents. Her goal is to prevent the “rabbit hole” effect where algorithms serve harmful content, such as self-harm or eating disorder material, to vulnerable teenagers.
Under a Pink Sky: The Memoir
Published in 2025, Under a Pink Sky is Esther Ghey’s first book, serving as both a memoir of her daughter’s life and a manifesto for change. The title refers to the pink skies and cherry blossoms Esther often associates with Brianna’s vibrant spirit.
The book is praised for its “brutal honesty” regarding Esther’s own struggles with depression and the complexities of Brianna’s personality. It provides a deeper context to her campaigning, explaining that she advocates not just because of how Brianna died, but because of how she lived and struggled.
Forgiveness and Restorative Justice
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Esther’s journey is her public stance on forgiveness. While she has not forgiven the killers themselves, she has famously met and befriended the mother of one of the perpetrators, acknowledging that “it wasn’t only me who lost my child that day.”
This act of empathy has become a cornerstone of her message, demonstrating the power of restorative justice. She believes that holding onto hate would “eat away” at her, and instead uses her energy to build bridges and promote unity in a polarized society.
Impact on UK Social Policy
By 2026, Esther Ghey has moved from local activist to a national policy influencer. Her meetings with various government ministers have led to a consultation on a nationwide smartphone ban and the potential for new “Age-Appropriate Design” codes for tech giants.
Her influence is often compared to that of Doreen Lawrence, as she has successfully used a personal tragedy to highlight systemic failures in child protection. She was named The Independent’s Most Influential Woman of 2024, a testament to her rapid and profound impact on the UK’s legislative landscape.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Support the Legacy
Donations: Support the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project via their official website at briannaslegacy.org.
Mindfulness for Schools: Educators can apply for teacher training through the partnership with the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP).
Campaign Participation: Parents can join the Phone Free Education movement by signing the national petition at phonefreeeducation.org.
Resources for Parents
Smartphone Safety: Esther recommends the use of “dumb phones” or restrictive software for children under 16.
Podcast: Listen to the “Parents Vs the Internet” podcast, co-hosted by Esther, for practical tips on navigating digital dangers.
Book: Under a Pink Sky is available at all major retailers; proceeds often support her charitable work.
FAQs
Who is Esther Ghey?
Esther Ghey is a British campaigner, author, and the mother of Brianna Ghey. She is the founder of the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project and a leading advocate for children’s online safety and mindfulness in schools.
What is the Peace and Mind campaign?
Peace and Mind was the original name of Esther’s campaign to bring mindfulness training to schools in Warrington. It has since evolved into the broader Brianna Ghey Legacy Project.
Does Esther Ghey want to ban social media?
Yes, she is campaigning for a legal ban on social media for children under the age of 16 to protect them from harmful content and digital addiction.
What is the book “Under a Pink Sky” about?
It is a memoir written by Esther Ghey that details her relationship with her daughter Brianna, their shared struggles with mental health, and Esther’s journey toward forgiveness and advocacy.
What is “Phone Free Education”?
This is a campaign led by Esther Ghey calling for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools across the UK to improve student focus and mental wellbeing.
Has Esther Ghey met the Prime Minister?
Yes, she has met with both Rishi Sunak (in 2024) and Keir Starmer (in 2026) to discuss changes to the law regarding online safety and smartphones for children.
Did Esther Ghey forgive the people who killed her daughter?
Esther has clarified that she forgives the parents of the perpetrators, specifically building a friendship with one of the mothers. She does not carry hate for the children who took Brianna’s life but focuses on systemic change.
How can I bring mindfulness to my child’s school?
You can direct your school’s headteacher to the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project or the Mindfulness in Schools Project to inquire about training and resources.
What are “child-safe” phones?
These are mobile devices proposed by Esther Ghey that allow for calling and texting but do not have access to social media apps or unrestricted internet browsing.
Why is the campaign called “Under a Pink Sky”?
The phrase represents the “signs” Esther feels she receives from Brianna, specifically through pink sunsets and the pink hair Brianna was known for.
What is the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project?
It is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that works to improve the mental health of young people and families through mindfulness, group wellbeing, and online safety education.
Is Esther Ghey’s daughter transgender?
Yes, Brianna Ghey was a 16-year-old transgender girl. While her identity was a factor in the public discourse surrounding her death, Esther’s campaigns focus broadly on mental health and digital safety for all children.
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