Parents advocating for Australia’s social media age restrictions have expressed strong concern following a Senate decision to delay proposed legislation aimed at strengthening enforcement powers for the country’s eSafety Commissioner. The bill, initially scheduled for passage this week, sought to grant the commissioner enhanced authority to compel social media companies to provide documents and information, alongside raising maximum fines for non-compliance from current levels to $99 million.

The legislation was postponed after the Coalition and the Greens jointly agreed to refer the bill to a parliamentary inquiry, which is set to report back in August. This move has prompted criticism from families affected by online harms, who argue the delay could have serious consequences for child safety.

Wayne Holdsworth, whose son Mac died after being sexually extorted online, condemned the Senate’s decision as “pig-headed and pathetic,” warning that further delay risks the lives of children. He emphasized that without urgent action to hold technology companies accountable, vulnerable young people face increased risks of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. “Every day goes by that we don’t up the ante on tech giants acting responsibly, innocent kids are targeted by sex extortionists,” he said.

Mia Bannister, whose son Ollie died by suicide following prolonged online bullying and an eating disorder, described the postponement as “incredibly disappointing.” She stressed that further delay allows social media platforms to continue profiting while children remain exposed to harm. Bannister highlighted that the proposed amendments seek to address emerging gaps in the legislation and called for Parliament to prioritize child safety over political considerations.

Emma Mason, who lost her 15-year-old daughter Tilly to suicide after relentless online bullying, urged politicians to improve protections for children facing online harms. She criticized what she described as political maneuvering around the issue, calling it “unacceptable” given the potential impact on children’s well-being.

Communications Minister Anika Wells criticized the Coalition for blocking the bill’s progress, accusing it of siding with social media companies at the expense of child safety. “Australian parents stood up and implored everyone not to treat this as a political football—Angus Taylor and the Coalition have ignored them by sending a 4-page bill to a two-month inquiry,” she said, referring to the federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that the office is prepared to immediately utilize any new powers to strengthen investigations into compliance with social media minimum age requirements. She noted that delays in enhancing enforcement capabilities would correspondingly postpone improved protections for Australian children.

The Senate’s decision reflects ongoing debate over the best approach to regulating social media platforms and enforcing age restrictions, balancing the urgency of child safety concerns with calls for thorough legislative scrutiny. The inquiry is expected to examine the bill’s provisions in detail before the Parliament resumes consideration later this year.