Bathurst Mother Addresses UN: Applauds for Australia's Social Media Ban from Global Leaders

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CONTENT WARNING: This article contains references to suicide

An Australian mum has left world leaders in tears after sharing the story of her daughter’s death by suicide in 2022, which she said was “enabled by social media”.

Speaking to the United Nations General Assembly in support of Australia’s social media ban for under 16’s, Emma Mason described her daughter Matilda as a “brave little girl” who endured horrendous cyberbullying.

Her courage in telling the world about the tragic event was lauded by world leaders, as the world-first social media ban comes under scrutiny.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is trying to build an international coalition to clamp down on children’s access to apps, such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

He was joined by parents who have campaigned for tougher social media laws at an event for world leaders in New York City.

‘Harm was instant’

Mason hoped that sharing her daughter’s story would mean “other children don’t endure what she had to.”

In 2022, Matilda died by suicide after fake nude photos of her were circulated on social media.

“The harm was instant,” Mason said. “This was death by bullying, but it was enabled by social media.”

“Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok – they all played their deadly part.”

Anthony Albanese shakes hands with Australian mum Emma Mason

Prime Minsiter Anthony Albanese praised Emma Mason at the United Nations. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Australia has been a leader in global efforts to prevent internet harm, but current legislation offers almost no details on how the social media ban will be enforced.

“They have monetised our children, they have known of the harm, and they have and they let it happen,” Mason said.

‘Plain common sense’

The social media ban received praise by world leaders and Europe is considering introducing similar laws, with the head of the European Commission showing her support.

“It is obvious this is plain common sense,” European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen said at the general assembly, adding she had been “inspired” by Australia’s “bold” social media ban.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also lauded Mason’s bravery in sharing her family tragedy.

“It must take a lot of courage to turn your personal suffering into this very powerful call for action,” he said.

Albanese acknowledged that while the ban may not “be perfect” when first implemented, it is necessary to protect children from online harm.

“This is a sensible but overdue step to protect young Australians at a critical stage of their development, giving them three more years to build real world connections and online resilience,” he said.

More platforms could come under social media ban

Tech companies, including WhatsApp and Reddit as well as streaming giant Twitch and gaming firm Roblox, could be among more than a dozen sites added to Australia’s social media ban, the country’s regulator said on Wednesday.

Platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are already included in the ban.

But Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has written to 16 more companies to “self-assess” whether they fall under the ban’s remit.

The list also included Pinterest as well as Lego Play, streaming company Kick and gaming platform Steam.

The regulator said it will initially focus on platforms with the greatest number of users, where there are higher risks of harm.

— With additional reporting by Agence France-Presse.