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Words: Kaitlyn Smith Producer: Bianca Mastroianni
of being an influencer
DARK SIDE
She’s navigated the tumultuous world of Hollywood but global starlet Alli Simpson says her biggest fears are the dangers impressionable young minds face on social media.
The Gold Coast native, who took on Hollywood as a teen, has been an easy target for vicious and often nameless online trolls since launching her YouTube channel as a 13-year-old.
Though the benefits of social media are vast, notably aiding her and musician brother Cody’s careers in the early days, she says the scrutiny users are subjected to online has only intensified.
I hate it. I’m scared for my children’s future, for what it’s going to be like then. It’s just a highlight reel of people’s lives and if I’m honest I’m guilty of that too at times.
ALLI SIMPSON
“”
New data reveals 21 per cent of Australia’s Generation Alpha (aged 6-14) – arguably social media’s impressionable audience – joined TikTok in 2020, making the platform the second-most popular for that demographic behind YouTube.
Sadly, the toll of digital pile-ons is evident by the tragedy of Dolly Everett, 14, who in 2018 took her own life following intense verbal, physical and online attacks.
A DEVASTATING TOLL
The statistics show another 99 suicides were recorded in children and teens aged 5-17. The majority of them fell within the 15-17 demographic.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 381 young Australians aged 18-24 died by suicide in 2020.
Beyond Blue’s lead clinical adviser Dr Grant Blashki said young people’s access to 24/7 platforms meant they never get a break from living in the spotlight of their peer’s commentaries and judgments.
Kids can have unrealistic expectations about themselves when they compare to the highly curated portrayal of other people’s ‘perfect’ lives.
DR GRANT BLASHKI
“”
The Online Safety Act 2021 could force platforms to remove abusive or violent content and block sites that refuse.
A RECKONING?
Legislation also extends to individuals found guilty of cyber bullying and outlines a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment for using a carriage service to harass.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently announced a proposal that would require social media companies to provide the identity or details of nameless online trolls in defamation cases.
ENDING ANONYMITY
Speak to your children about social media's negative impacts
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Limit phone use time
Teach your kids about cyber bullying
Register your child’s real age on apps
Monitor your child’s use of social media apps
																											

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/web-stories/free/gold-coast-bulletin/alli-simpson-dishes-on-the-dark-side-of-being-an-influencer