Campbell Calls for Social Shift Against Smart Glass and Phone Abuse
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has called for a societal change in how people who use smart glasses or mobile phones to record assaults are perceived.
Speaking after an incident in England where a girl was violently attacked and filmed, Campbell said such individuals should be made to feel like social pariahs. He emphasized the need for friends, associates, and families of those involved to understand the activity is totally appalling and unacceptable.
Campbell said the case, details of which were raised in the House of Commons, involved a girl having her head smashed against a concrete step during an assault. The violence was later shared, forwarded, replayed, and discussed, repeating the victim's humiliation in classrooms, corridors, and group chats, according to Liberal Democrat MP Edward Morello.
The DUP MP said the widespread sharing of such footage exacerbates the harm caused to victims. He said society must work to change attitudes so that those who record and distribute such content face strong social disapproval.
Campbell's comments follow broader discussions about the use of smart glasses and phones to capture violent incidents. He did not propose specific legislation but stressed the importance of shifting public attitudes.
The incident occurred outside Northern Ireland, but Campbell said the principles apply universally. His remarks were made in the context of a parliamentary discussion on the issue.