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    Australia’s social media ban wins praise from Europe at UN event

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    By David Speers

    Copyright abc

    Australia's social media ban wins praise from Europe at UN event

    Australia’s social media age limit has won the support of the European Commission president during an event at the United Nations.

    From December 10, Australia will ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with the onus on tech companies to prevent their access.

    Australia hosted an event overnight on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to explain the reasons behind the move and generate global momentum for others to follow suit.

    Australia’s willingness to take on the social media giants is drawing significant international interest.

    Emma Mason, whose 15-year-old daughter Tilly died by suicide after being bullied on social media, spoke powerfully at the event, in front of an image of her daughter.

    “Death by bullying enabled by social media” is how the mother and lawyer described her daughter’s suicide, detailing the harassment Tilly faced leading up to the tragedy and explaining what happened on the day she died.

    Ms Mason, from Bathurst in central west NSW, drew a standing ovation after the speech. Leaders from Greece, Malta, Fiji and Tonga were amongst those in the room.

    European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told the audience she had been “inspired” by Australia’s “bold” move to introduce the ban.

    “It is obvious this is plain common sense,” she said.

    Ms von der Leyen argued many European countries were pushing for similar laws.

    “As a mother of seven children, and grandmother of five, I share their view,” she said.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was “overwhelmed” at the response in the room. “The truth is that our legislation is where the world is going,” he said.

    Mr Albanese praised the courage and advocacy of Ms Mason in bringing the issue of social media harm to the world stage.

    He said if he had the power to hand out Orders of Australia, he “would have walked up on stage here and given Emma one on the spot”.

    “We give praise to people who are politicians and business leaders,” he said. “This is a mum and, you know, she’s fantastic.”

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