Unplug24: Celebrities, politicians boycott social media in memory of Aussie teenager Mac Holdsworth

Thousands, including singer Jessica Mauboy and Olympian Lani Pallister, have logged off in memory of an Aussie who took his own life after he was sextorted online.

More than 100,000 schoolkids, celebrities, business people and politicians took part in a national initiative to boycott social media for 24 hours, according to the charity behind it.

Unplug24, which was backed by News Corp, was held in memory of Mac Holdsworth, 17, who took his own life after he was sextorted on Instagram and Snapchat.

The Melbourne teen, who had dreamt of becoming a carpenter, was tricked into sending an explicit photo of himself to a scammer pretending to be a teenage girl, who then blackmailed him.

Sextortion is on the rise globally, with most victims teenage boys. It has resulted in a number of suicides.

SmackTalk, a suicide prevention charity set up in Mac’s name, saw around 100,000 pledge their support for the initiative.

At least another 30,000 schoolchildren participated on the day, including 23,000 boarding school pupils across Australia.

Australian Olympic swimmer Lani Pallister has spoken about abuse she received online. Picture: Luke Marsden

Jessica Mauboy took part in the national social media boycott.

The initiative attracted a host of big backers including singer Jessica Mauboy, fitness guru Michelle Bridges, Olympian Lani Pallister, Opals basketballer Alice Kunek, actress Ada Nicodemou, as well as politicians including Health Minister Mark Butler and Senator Jacqui Lambie.

Mac’s dad Wayne said he was still finding out who had taken part as not everyone pledged their support on SmackTalk’s website.

He described the groundswell of support around the country as “overwhelming”.

“We had three state premiers from NSW, SA and Victoria, who supported it,” Mr Holdsworth said.

“The Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland also switched off her social media for the day, along with her staff.

“The family was overwhelmed with the support from people right across the country, from young people all the way up to those who are retired.”

Health Minister Mark Butler was one of many politicians to support the boycott. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

He said the day was a chance for parents to discuss the dangers on social media and for everyone to enjoy the benefits of switching off and connecting face-to-face.

The day chosen for Unplug24, October 24, was the first anniversary of Mac’s death and was a tough day for his family.

“The day itself was rough because it was the first anniversary,” Mr Holdsworth said. “But we were buoyed knowing that his legacy was helping to save other people’s lives.”

News Corp is also running a campaign called Let Them Be Kids, to raise the age of when children can access social media to 16, which is supported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has promised to bring in legislation if the Coalition wins the next election.

Originally published as Unplug24: Celebrities, politicians boycott social media in memory of Aussie teenager Mac Holdsworth