A mother who campaigned for Australia’s under-16 social media ban says it is bittersweet, following her teenage son’s suicide linked to online harm.
SYDNEY: An Australian mother described the nation’s new social media ban for under-16s as a “bittersweet” milestone, following her teenage son’s suicide.
Mia Bannister said she would give anything to have her 14-year-old son Ollie with her as the landmark law took effect.
Ollie took his own life last year after experiencing online bullying and viewing harmful content that fuelled an eating disorder.
Bannister and other bereaved parents campaigned for the legislation to prevent similar family tragedies.
Australia has become the first country to implement such a ban, with tech companies facing fines of up to USD 33 million for non-compliance.
“It’s very bittersweet. I would give anything — and I mean anything — to have Ollie here with me today,” Bannister said.
“I am proud we are leading the way and I hope the rest of the world will follow and save future generations from online harm.”
She acknowledged feeling exhausted after months of advocacy but said stepping back was not an option.
Another parent, Wayne Holdsworth, whose 17-year-old son Mac died after a sextortion scam, said the law was just a beginning.
He called for more education about online dangers for children once they reach the age of 16.
“Our kids that we’ve lost haven’t died in vain because today they’ll be looking down very proud of the work that we’ve all done,” Holdsworth said.
While hundreds of thousands of teens were logged out, some vowed to circumvent the new rules.
Teen content creator Zoey, with over 58,000 TikTok followers, promised to find a way around the ban.
“Don’t let the stupid government that is trying to make us sad and control us bring you down,” she said in an online video.
Authorities concede the law “won’t be perfect” but argue it represents a crucial step forward. – AFP
