Parents advocating for stricter social media regulations are urging Australian lawmakers to swiftly pass enhanced legislation aimed at protecting children under 16 from harmful online content. The call comes as the federal government prepares to introduce measures that would double penalties for social media companies failing to comply with the existing under-16 age ban, increasing fines to up to A$99 million. Additionally, the proposed changes would grant the eSafety Commissioner greater authority to require tech companies to provide information relevant to enforcement.
These developments follow the initial implementation of the age-restriction laws six months ago, a milestone marked by the removal of approximately five million social media accounts belonging to users under 16 years of age. The original legislation, which passed in December 2024, was introduced after persistent campaigning by families affected by online harm, including parents who lost children to suicide linked to social media abuse.
Wayne Holdsworth, whose son Mac died by suicide after experiencing sexual extortion online, emphasized the necessity of tougher regulations to hold technology companies accountable. “There is blood on their hands,” Holdsworth said, expressing confidence that the proposed amendments will receive bipartisan support. He highlighted a commitment from former Opposition leader Peter Dutton to collaborate with the government on advancing the laws before the recent election and expressed hope that new Opposition leader Angus Taylor would demonstrate similar cooperation. “This is actually saving lives,” Holdsworth added.
Emma Mason, mother of Tilly who died by suicide following severe social media bullying, also welcomed the legislative update, stressing the importance of demonstrating firm enforcement to social media companies. Mason called for an end to political disputes over the legislation, describing children’s safety as a matter that should transcend partisan debate. “I pray that the silly point scoring nonsense we saw in late 2025 is behind us,” she said, referencing prior political disagreements. “It was a consensus law that passed in December 2024, and we need all Australian politicians to continue to get behind this legislation.”
The opposition’s communications spokesperson, Sarah Henderson, described the new proposals as an acknowledgment of the Coalition’s ongoing concerns that the initial ban was insufficient. Henderson indicated that the amended laws aim to strengthen regulatory effectiveness and ensure tech companies comply fully with Australia’s digital safety standards for minors.
The tightening of social media regulations arrives amid growing global scrutiny of online platforms’ responsibilities toward young users, with Australia positioning itself as a leader in legislating age-appropriate access and accountability for tech companies. The government expects to introduce the proposed amendments this week, marking a significant step in its efforts to safeguard children’s mental health and wellbeing in the digital environment.