Sydney mum Emma Mason appears at UN after 15yo daughter’s death as Australia takes on Elon Musk’s X
Tilly Mason was 15 when she took her own life over a twisted Snapchat image. Now, her mum is taking on tech giants on the global stage - and Australia has her back.
Australia has read the riot act to global companies including Elon Musk’s X threatening to resist a grieving mum’s call to arms over world-first reforms to limit social media access for children.
Speaking at the United Nations, mother Emma Mason, whose 15-year-old daughter Tilly took her own life after being bullied by classmates on social media, received a standing ovation for her speech.
“Social media giants must take responsibility for protecting our children, because across the globe they’re dying as a direct result of their social media engagement,’’ she said.
From December 10, the age of access to social media will be increased from 13 to 16 for Australian kids.
The new legislation was brought about by advocacy from News Corp Australia’s Let Them Be Kids Campaign which highlighted the devastating harms being caused to kids through social media.
Describing how she had turned a tragedy into a global movement for change to protect children, Ms Mason’s speech was praised by world leaders.
“After Tilly died, I knew I needed to do something to protect the other Tillies,” Ms Mason told the United Nations event.
“I implore leaders and nations of our great world to act, and act now.
“Making it illegal for children to access social media under 16 will improve lives. It will save lives. It was once said that all it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing. So it’s time to do something.”
Speaking on Seven’s Sunrise, Communications Minister Annika Wells said the grassroots campaign had started with a petition of 126,000 parents and “a fervent wish that someone would do something about what was happening to their kids online.”
“I think there is a global recognition of the harms that people are experiencing online, and particularly our kids,’’ she said.
Australia reads Elon Musk the riot act
But asked about Elon Musk’s platform X releasing a statement saying they have serious concerns about the lawfulness of the policy, which they are calling punitive, Ms Wells said the social media giants didn’t have any excuses.
“These platforms make a lot of money off Australians operating their business on our shores, and these platforms have had opportunity,’’ Ms Wells said.
“They have had years to look after Australians online. They could have done it themselves.
“They could have done it on their own terms and they have chosen not to even though they are well aware of the dangers.
“We gave platforms 12 months to prepare. We gave the rules in July. We handed down the regulatory guidance, together with the safety commissioner last week and we continue to meet constantly with platforms. I met several tech giants while I’m here in New York so everyone can land this on 10 December.”
Ms Wells said Australia would fight any legal moves to overturn the ban.
“If anyone decides to challenge legally, whilst I’m not a legal psychic and I’m not aware of legal challenges in the works, (but) we will address those as they come,’’ she said.
“This is the law, it stands in Australia, and the world is following suit.”
Tilly’s tragic death triggers powerful movement
In an emotional speech, Ms Mason, a key figure in News Corp Australia’s Let Them Be Kids Campaign, described how her 15-year-old daughter Matilda “Tilly” Rosewarne was targeted online.
Then, a fake nude photo of Tilly was circulated on Snapchat.
“It reached at first five children, by 4pm 300 children, and by 6pm over 3000 children,’’ Ms Mason said.
“The harm was instant. Tilly was hysterical and spiralling.”
Her extraordinary speech was lauded by the European Commission President who praised her bravery and the Prime Minister of Greece who embraced the Aussie mum after his own address at Australia’s event.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, one of the world’s most powerful leaders, joined Mr Albanese and Ms Mason.
“I’ve been inspired by Australia’s example – you are the first to give this a try” Ms von der Leyen said.
“We in Europe are watching and will be learning from you as you implement your world first and world leading social media ban.”
Hugged by world leaders
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who listened to Ms Mason’s heartbreak, hugged after her speech.
“It must take a lot of courage to turn your personal suffering into this very powerful call for action,” he said to the mum of two.
Ms von der Leyan was also moved by Ms Mason.
“Emma, it’s not easy to speak after you,” she said.
Albo’s call for action
Speaking in New York, the Prime Minister said delaying the ability to set up social media accounts from the current age of 13, until the age of 16 was a start.
“I have listened to their stories of girls and boys with bright futures, only to be so overwhelmed by what got to them through their social media accounts, they saw no other way out,’’ the Prime Minister said.
“It is an experience that affected me deeply.
“In what world should a 14-year-old be exposed to sexual extortion?
“It is a wilderness no child should know.
“It is a burden no parent should have to bear.
“And yet, amid their grief, these mums and dads have found the most profound way to express their love for their children.
“They are working to give other young Australians the chance of a future safe from online harm.
“Their courage is a powerful reminder of why our Government is determined to back them and keep young Australians safe online.
“We want children to have a childhood.”
Originally published as Sydney mum Emma Mason appears at UN after 15yo daughter’s death as Australia takes on Elon Musk’s X
