Australia’s landmark social media age restriction law has prompted Emma Mason, a Sydney mother, to call for global reform at the United Nations. Her 15-year-old daughter, Matilda ‘Tilly’ Rosewarne, took her life after enduring severe cyberbullying and harassment, prompting Mason to urge tech companies to be held financially accountable. The tragedy led Mason to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for age restrictions and corporate responsibility.
During her emotional speech, Mason detailed Tilly’s final moments, describing how she meticulously planned her suicide after being subjected to relentless bullying, including a fake nude photo of her shared on Snapchat. The incident escalated Tilly’s mental health struggles, leading to her tragic death. Mason pointed to the role of social media giants like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok in contributing to her daughter’s demise, citing their failure to protect young users and the negative impact on mental health and social development.
Mason’s campaign highlights the urgent need for global standards to safeguard children from the harmful effects of social media. While Australia has implemented strict age restrictions and penalties for platforms that allow underage users, Mason advocates for a broader international approach. She emphasized the personal toll on parents, urging the global community to take decisive action to prevent more tragedies like Tilly’s.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported Mason’s call, criticizing tech companies for prioritizing profit over the well-being of children. She argued for age verification systems and regulatory measures to ensure that social, media platforms are held responsible for their impact on youth. The discussion underscores the growing concern over the role of technology in mental health crises and the need for balanced, protective policies.