Global leaders have taken note of Australia’s world-first ban on social media for teenagers, instilling confidence in a bereaved mum that other nations will enact change.
Emma Mason drew a standing ovation after joining Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to spruik the ban on the world stage at a United Nations event in New York.
The Bathurst woman spoke at the UN in front of an image of her daughter Tilly, 15, who took her own life after being bullied online.
She said she was encouraged the ban had drawn the attention of leaders such as European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who has indicated the bloc will be watching how the reform turns out.
“There were leaders there that were really listening and telling me personally that they were going back to their nation to enact change,” she told Nine’s Today program on Thursday.
“I’m really confident.
“There are 226 million children across the world aged between 13 and 15, and it’s my view that we need to stop monetising children and we need to protect them.”
Mr Albanese described her address as “moving and powerful” and said it epitomised his discussions with other bereaved parents.
“If I, as Australian prime minister, could pluck out AOs (Orders of Australia) as I walk around … I would have walked up on stage here and given Emma one on the spot,” he said.
The incoming ban will restrict under-16s from accessing instant messaging and multimedia apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat from December 10.
Ms von der Leyen said she was “inspired” by Australia’s “bold” move to introduce the ban.
“You are the first to give this a try,” Ms von der Leyen said.
“We in the EU will be watching and learning from you as you implement your world-first and world-leading social media ban.
“Our next generation needs us to step up, and to be daring and give this a go.”
Ms von der Leyen said many European countries were pushing for similar laws, and that as a mother of seven and a grandmother of five, she shared the view that they should be enacted.
Questions remain over how wide-reaching Australia’s ban will be, as gaming and streaming platforms such as Roblox and Discord have been recommended to the eSafety Commissioner to be included.
Communications Minister Annika Wells said it was up to the commissioner to decide whether the tools and behaviours on platforms like Roblox were considered harmful.
“The purpose here is to reduce the harms to kids online, no matter which platform that is,” Ms Wells told ABC TV on Thursday.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask platforms … reaping huge commercial benefit from users in Australia, to demonstrate that they are doing what they can to protect kids online.”
The ban has faced backlash from social media companies, with US billionaire Elon Musk’s X calling for it to be delayed over “serious concerns” about its lawfulness.
Events on the social media ban coincided with the prime minister’s last full day in the US for the UN meeting.
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