Dolly Everitt’s parents slam scope of federal governments inquiry into toxic impacts of social media

Dolly Everett’s parents have slammed a government inquiry into the toxic impacts of social media for offering “no justice” on the issue, after the investigation period was limited to less than three months

Dolly Everett’s parents have slammed a government inquiry into the toxic impacts of social media for offering “no justice” on the issue, after the investigation period was limited to less than three months.

Kate and Tick Everett, founders of Dolly’s Dream, have been working tirelessly to raise awareness on social media safety after losing their teen daughter to years of relentless of bullying.

In a submission to the government’s broad-ranging inquiry into big tech and online harm, the pair said they were “very disappointed” the committed had provided a “short time frame” — including over Christmas — to provide submissions.

The inquiry, announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on December 1, closed off submissions on January 12 with the committee due to report back by mid-February — meaning the time frame from start to finish is less than three months.

Dolly Everett was a victim of bullying at her school.

“That seems to offer no justice to the importance of the issue,” the Everett’s wrote.

“We urge you to extend the consultation period and ensure meaningful consultation is conducted with families and school communities in rural, regional and remote Australia.”

Dolly’s Dream are scheduled to appear before the committee on Thursday, which is the fifth day of hearings so far.

In their submission, the Everett’s called for the committee to ensure children and young people were consulted “substantially” before releasing its final report.

“We hope that the Select Committee appreciates the huge challenges facing parents and carers in helping their children navigate the social media space safely when faced with the overwhelming marketing and data management of large for-profit companies providing these platforms,” they wrote.

Tik and Kate Everett The parents of Dolly Everett. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

They warned families in rural, regional and remote communities had “additional issues” with the use of social media, “especially with children in boarding schools”.

Amy Everett, better known as Dolly, took her own life in January 2018, days short of her 15th birthday, after being pushed to the brink by bullies at her Queensland boarding school.

The committee, chaired by NSW Liberal MP Lucy Wicks, will also hear from UK parliamentarians involved in their nation’s version of online safety laws.

The UK’s proposed online safety laws imposes a duty of care on tech firms to protect users from harmful content, at the risk of a substantial fine.

The federal government on Wednesday will also release an exposure draft of proposed laws aimed at forcing social media companies to reveal the identities of anonymous trolls who defame people online.