Prime Minister Scott Morrison appears alongside Erin Molan to push anti-trolling message

High-profile media personality Erin Molan has joined Scott Morrison on the election trail as he campaigns on one key issue.

Media personality and trolling victim Erin Molan has joined Scott Morrison as he unveiled a new online safety policy targeting tech giants.

The Prime Minister on Sunday campaigned in the Labor-held seat of Parramatta in Sydney’s west.

If the Coalition wins the May 21 federal election, the technology industry will have 12 months to ensure smartphones and tablets have strong parental controls.

Mr Morrison also promised a $23m package to raise awareness of the eSafety Commissioner’s support across every school in Australia, provide training programs for teachers, and create new and improved online safety resources for schools.

About $10m was pledged to streamline victim support services, along with a renewed commitment to pass anti-trolling laws that ensure social media companies are considered publishers.

The legislation sparked condemnation from legal experts who warned social media users would have fewer weapons against defamatory online attacks.

Erin Molan joined Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the election trail in Sydney. Picture: Jason Edwards

Molan spoke out about her experience with online trolls, just days after a 27-year-old man pleaded guilty to bombarding her through social media between 2016 and last year.

“A couple of days ago a guy pled guilty if in court to five years of incredibly vile vulgar harassment, abuse, intimidation of myself that involved my little girl as well,” the former NRL presenter told reporters.

“For anyone who thinks the online space is this imaginary world that can’t hurt you, they are completely wrong.

“This doesn’t just happen to people with a public profile either. This can happen to everyday Australians.”

Labor has also criticised the government’s anti-trolling bill over fears it could exacerbate online trolling.

The TV presenter and columnist is a supporter of the proposed laws and the ultimatum to technology companies about online safety.

“You need to force them to care and that’s what these laws do,” Molan said.

“They force them through financial elements, and through punishing them. That’s what we need to do. It’s the only way to talk to them.”

Molan says she received vile abuse online over a number of years. Picture: Jason Edwards

Molan’s father is Liberal senator Jim Molan, who is contesting the next election.

She rose to fame through her work on the NRL Footy Show and as a sports presenter on Nine News Sydney.

In a statement ahead of the announcement, Mr Morrison said a Coalition government would stand up to big tech and social media giants.

“Our kids should be able to learn, be entertained, or connect with their friends and family without facing abuse, humiliation or online predators,” the Prime Minister said.

“The online world cannot be a cowards’ cavern where the rules of the real world do not exist.

“Big tech and social media giants must be held to account. Our plan will force them to do more – they cannot create it, and wash their hands of all consequences of it.”

Originally published as Prime Minister Scott Morrison appears alongside Erin Molan to push anti-trolling message