Lauren Cowell Raise the Age campaign Luminary Mothers Interview Motherhood Simon Cowell Alice Codford — Image Credit: Billie Scheepers

Lauren Cowell didn’t set out to become an advocate, but motherhood has a way of turning concern into conviction. As a mother of two, she’s now at the forefront of the Raise the Age campaign, calling for meaningful accountability and stronger protections for children growing up online.

She didn’t arrive here through branding or ideology. It was a build-up: learning the sheer scale of what children are exposed to online, and listening to devastated families whose lives have been changed forever. As a mum, she realised this isn’t something happening “somewhere else”, it’s touching all of our children in one way or another. At a certain point, she says, it became “primal”. Staying quiet began to feel irresponsible.

That urgency now drives her call to raise the age for addictive and harmful social media features to 16, and, in her view, ideally 18. Lauren speaks with clarity about what she’s learned: how intentionally platforms are designed to capture attention, how quickly harmful content can reach a child even when they aren’t searching for it, and how parents are being asked to navigate something none of us grew up with — where screens are woven into friendships, childhood, and daily life.

At the centre of it all is motherhood. Lauren describes becoming a mother as “open-heart surgery”: a love that cracks you open permanently, expanding your capacity for joy, fear, vulnerability and fierce protectiveness all at once. She speaks candidly about navigating divorce and building a blended family across different households — and, at times, different countries — and how a trusted support network carried her through the moments that felt emotionally and physically overwhelming. Now, raising two boys in very different stages, she’s calmer the second time around: less attached to perfection, more committed to presence.

In this Luminary Mothers Conversation With, Lauren shares what gives her hope, what she believes real change requires, and the values she comes back to at home — kindness, empathy, respect and gratitude — alongside a steady reminder to mothers everywhere: you’re not failing because you find this hard. None of us were prepared for the digital age, and none of us are meant to figure it out alone.

By Alice Codford

ON ADVOCACY WORK

Alice: You’ve been putting so much energy into the “Raise the Age” campaign - what was the moment you felt, “I can’t stay quiet about this”?

Lauren Cowell: I think it was a build up of seeing the sheer scale of what children are being exposed to online, and hearing from so many devastated families whose lives have been changed forever. As a mum, I realised this isn’t something happening “somewhere else”. It’s affecting all of our children in one way or another. There came a point where it became primal. For me, staying quiet felt irresponsible. I knew I had to use whatever platform or voice I have to push for change.

For any parent who’s only just hearing about it, what does “Raise the Age” mean in simple terms, and what change are you hoping to see?

Lauren Cowell: In simple terms, it means raising the age for addictive and harmful social media features to 16. Children’s brains are still developing, and these platforms are designed to keep them hooked for as long as possible. We want stronger protections in place so children aren’t exposed to harmful content and addictive algorithms at such a vulnerable age. If it were up to me, I’d raise the age to 18!

“As a mum, I realised this isn’t something happening ‘somewhere else’. It’s affecting all of our children in one way or another.”

What have you learned about social media and children that genuinely surprised you?

Lauren Cowell: I think what shocked me most was learning just how intentional these platforms are in the way they have been designed which is to target attention and keep children engaged. This isn’t accidental. The algorithms are incredibly sophisticated. I also didn’t fully realise the scale of harmful content children can stumble across so quickly, even when they aren’t searching for it.

How has being a mother shaped the way you think about smartphones and social media at home?

Lauren Cowell: It’s made me much more conscious of how difficult this is for parents to navigate. None of us grew up with this. We’re trying to raise children in a world where screens are everywhere and social media is deeply woven into their friendships and daily lives. It’s a constant balance between wanting to protect them while also preparing them for the real world.

Lauren Cowell Raise the Age campaign Luminary Mothers Interview Motherhood Simon Cowell Alice Codford Modern Motherhood — Image Credit: Billie Scheepers

You’ve taken this campaign right into Parliament, including visiting the House of Lords. What was that experience like, walking into those rooms as a mum, with this issue on your shoulders?

Lauren Cowell: It was emotional, honestly. Walking into those historic rooms alongside many of the bereaved parents felt incredibly significant. I wasn’t there as a politician or an expert. I was there as a mum who cares deeply about protecting children. I was there to offer them my support. That gave me a real sense of purpose.

Was there a moment during your visit — a conversation, a speech, a statistic — that really stayed with you afterwards?

Lauren Cowell: Hearing just how many families have been affected by harmful online content has really stayed with me. But what also stayed with me was hearing how many people, across different parties and backgrounds, privately acknowledged that things cannot continue as they are. That gave me hope.

“This is not about taking childhood backwards or banning technology. It’s about putting children’s safety before tech companies’ profits.”

When you’re meeting decision-makers, what’s the one message you make sure they hear, every time?

Lauren Cowell: That this is not about taking childhood backwards or banning technology. It’s about putting children’s safety before tech companies’ profits. What we are asking for as parents is in my opinion, the absolute bare minimum which is meaningful protections and accountability.

What gives you hope, what progress or shifts have you seen that make you feel change is possible?

Lauren Cowell: The growing number of parents and people speaking out gives me hope. A few years ago, people felt much more isolated in these worries. Now there’s a real collective voice and momentum building. I also think politicians are starting to realise this issue is not going away and families expect action.

What do you think is the most effective thing parents can do to support this campaign, beyond social media?

Lauren Cowell: Talk about it openly. With schools, with other parents, and with politicians. Real change happens when ordinary people refuse to stay silent. And I think parents supporting one another without judgement is incredibly important too, because everyone is trying to navigate this as best they can.

ON MOTHERHOOD

How has motherhood changed you personally?

Lauren Cowell: Motherhood has made me more empathetic, more resilient and definitely more patient. It changes your entire perspective on what really matters.

Becoming a mother is a little like open-heart surgery. From the moment your child arrives, your heart is permanently opened. To a kind of love you never knew existed, but also to fear, vulnerability, joy, worry and every emotion in between. You suddenly feel everything on a level that I don’t think is possible to describe or understand until you experience it yourself.

“Becoming a mother is a little like open-heart surgery. From the moment your child arrives, your heart is permanently opened.”

What’s been one of the best parts of motherhood so far, and one of the hardest - and what helped you get through it?

Lauren Cowell: The best part of motherhood, without question, the instant bond and love you feel for your child. It’s the most grounding and meaningful part of my life. Motherhood will always be my number 1 priority.

Watching your children grow into their own little people and feeling that unconditional love is incredibly special.

The hardest part has probably been navigating divorce and all the changes that came with that. Trying to raise two children with very different fathers, backgrounds and lives, often across two different countries at times. There were definitely moments that felt emotionally and physically overwhelming, and as a mother you’re constantly trying to make sure your children feel secure, loved and protected through change, even when you’re struggling yourself.

What helped me through it was having a really strong support network of family and friends around me who I trusted deeply. People who didn’t judge me, who let me be vulnerable and let me know it was ok to fall apart sometimes. I think motherhood teaches you that you really do need your people.

Lauren Cowell Luminary Mothers Alice Codford Raise the Age campaign Luminary Mothers Interview Motherhood Simon Cowell — Image Credit: Billie Scheepers

Your boys are in two very different stages age-wise. What’s the biggest difference in you as a mum between the first time and the second time?

Lauren Cowell: I’m definitely calmer and more relaxed now. With your first child, everything feels quite scary because it’s all new. The second time around, I trust myself more and I’ve learned that being present and emotionally available matters more than trying to be perfect or trying to plan too far ahead.

What does “blended family” mean to you in real life, beyond the label?

Lauren Cowell: To me, a blended family means love, flexibility, patience and a lot of communication. It also means accepting that things aren’t always completely within your control, and learning that that’s okay.

Families come in many different forms and I think what matters most is trying to be consistent, showing up for your children and making sure they feel safe, seen and deeply loved wherever they are. Creating a sense of belonging, stability and home for them, even across different households and different dynamics, is what’s most important to me.

What are two or three values you’re trying to teach your sons every single day, even in tiny ways?

Lauren Cowell: Kindness is a huge one for me. Also empathy, respect and gratitude. I want them to understand the importance of how to treat people whether you think anyone is watching or not. And to grow up with compassion and emotional intelligence.

ON LEGACY & LOOKING AHEAD

What excites you most about the next chapter, for your family, and for you personally?

Lauren Cowell: I think what excites me most is growth. Watching my children come in to their own, and continuing to evolve myself too. I’m excited by meaningful work, deeper purpose and creating a life centred around family, connection and making a positive impact where I can.

“Real change happens when ordinary people refuse to stay silent.”

What do you want your legacy to be as a mother, beyond any public narrative?

Lauren Cowell: I hope that my children will always feel deeply loved, safe and supported. Beyond anything else, I hope they grow up knowing I tried to lead with love, integrity, compassion and authenticity.

Lauren Cowell Luminary Mothers Interview Alice Codford Raise the Age campaign Luminary Mothers Interview Motherhood Simon Cowell — Image Credit: Billie Scheepers

Are there any women who’ve really shaped you in how you show up in the world as a woman today?

Lauren Cowell: Absolutely. My mother and my two beloved grandmothers have probably shaped me more than anyone. They always embodied the essence of home to me. That feeling of warmth, belonging, tradition, and unconditional love. Those things have stayed with me deeply and will always be an important part of who I am and the kind of home and environment I try to create for my own children.

I’ve also been incredibly lucky to have strong, supportive women in my life and friendships with women who genuinely cheer other women on. I really admire that quality. I think there’s something very powerful about women supporting each other, celebrating each other’s successes and showing up for one another without judgement or competition. Those are the kinds of women I’m most drawn to and inspired by.

Finally, what message would you like to leave with the Luminary Mothers community?

Lauren Cowell: That none of us are meant to have it all figured out, and none of us should feel we have to figure it out alone. I think there’s so much power in women supporting each other, especially while raising children in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and uncertain.

And to any mum struggling with the challenges of the digital age. I want you to know that you are not failing because you find it hard. We are all trying to navigate something none of us were prepared for.

I think when women come together, support each other and use their voices, real change happens. And as mothers, there is nothing more powerful than leading with love while fighting for a better future for our children.

Follow Lauren on Instagram here. read more About raise the age here.

Lauren Cowell on Motherhood, Raise the Age Campaign and Protecting Children Online.