Roxy Jacenko reveals why she thinks Australia needs a social media ban for children

Roxy Jacenko has revealed the surprising reason she’s for a social media ban - after her daughter became famous on Instagram.

Roxy Jacenko says she’s for a “proactive” social media ban for children under 16 years old, revealing she’s taken a shine to opposition leader Peter Dutton’s approach on the issue.

“Peter Dutton’s proactive backing of the age limit moving from 13 to 16 earlier in the year was without question critical,” she told news.com.au.

“It is remarkable that under the Albanese leadership it sadly took the deaths by suicide of several children as a result of the impacts of social media for him to actually suggest and consider addressing what is a major concern for so many parents in Australia.”

Peter Dutton announced in June that if he wins the next election, the Coalition would implement a social media ban for children within the first four months.

Mr Dutton appeared on Sunrise and claimed that having a social media account should be similar to getting a license.

“There’s a lot of technology in place to help with the age verification that’s not going to take people’s data. So I think it’s a well-balanced approach,” he said.

Roxy’s pro a social media ban for children. Picture: Toby Zerna

Mr Dutton wants to protect children from social media. Picture: NewsWire / Linda Higginson

Ms Jacenko’s take might seem unexpected considering her 13-year-old daughter Pixie is arguably one of Australia’s first social media child stars.

Pixie has almost 200,000 Instagram followers and ran a successful fidget business that earned $200,000 in its first month when she was still in primary school.

She “semi-retired” in 2023 at the age of 11 after throwing a birthday party that reportedly cost $40,000.

She also owns a Mercedes Benz that is worth around $270,000, and she requested a $9000 handbag for Christmas when she was 11.

Pixie became an entire brand before she started high school and it was hugely successful.

Roxy Jacenko created her daughter’s Instagram. Source: Instagram/RoxyJacenko

Pixie semi-retired at the age of 11. Picture by Damian Shaw

Jacenko previously claimed that Pixie could retire at 15 as a millionaire, but her daughter called it early to focus on high school.

While Pixie has definitely taken a step back from the limelight, her Instagram is still active, and she has posted as recently as three weeks ago.

With all that in mind, Ms Jacenko’s opinion might seem surprising, but there’s no arguing that the 44-year-old businesswoman understands the downside of social media.

“I fell into social media with Pixie, who when I started her account she was just three,” she said.

“It was new and fun and she loved taking photos and making videos with me.”

Ms Jacenko said her daughter was making a “solid income,” and her social media success had given her many amazing opportunities, but it came at a cost.

Now that Pixie is a teenager, it isn’t “something she wants to be part of” anymore, but the horse has already bolted.

“Quite frankly, it opens her up to unnecessary attention, which she doesn’t like and alienates her ‘as that’s that girl, Pixie,” she said.

“Something that no parent wants; you want your child to be just like everyone else in the playground – not the one singled out.”

She said social media fame has given her daughter unwanted attention. Picture: Instagram/RoxyJacenko

Pixie does still post on social media. Picture: Instagram/RoxyJacenko

Ms Jacenko said that the worst consequence of social media has been that once it is online, it is out of your hands.

People can take screenshots and doctor images and circulate photos without your consent.

When Pixie was just four, Jacenko claimed that her daughter was a victim of digitally altered and indecent images that were being circulated online by people.

Police acknowledged they were investigating the claims in 2016, but no charges were ultimately filed.

“The space of social media was so new, there were no laws back then, you could basically do what you want and anyone’s expense,” Ms Jacenko said.

At the time, Ms Jacenko appeared on The Morning Show and claimed the images circulating were “sick” and intended to embarrass.

“There’s nothing worse than pedophilia. The worst thing is [my daughter is] four years old. The people who did it are known to me. If you’ve got a gripe with me, be a mature adult, take it up with me, and don’t inflict danger or embarrassment on my four-year-old. It’s sick,” she said.

“No matter how new social media is in the world, use it respectfully. Don’t doctor pictures into lewd situations for a four year old! You’re a deranged, sick person to do that!”

Even now Ms Jacenko is still rattled by the experience.

“Something I will never ever forget, and to this day, should any one of those who participated in this sick act came across me, they would want to cross the road, fast.” She said.

Originally published as Roxy Jacenko reveals why she thinks Australia needs a social media ban for children