# Canberra Mother Testifies on Social Media Harm to Children A mother warns of rapid psychological decline in her daughter due to harmful content. - **Source:** [Canberra Times](https://www.canberratimes.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/61aca4db-d046-4f2e-9f19-4b63f42cdf68 ## Urgent Parental Warning A Canberra mother, identified as Maria, has publicly shared her daughter's rapid psychological decline after exposure to harmful social media content. Her 12-year-old child, previously an active and high-achieving student, began displaying concerning behaviors within weeks of accessing TikTok. Maria is now advocating for stricter accountability regarding digital safety for minors. ## Senate Inquiry Evidence ACT Senator David Pocock presented extensive documentation to a Senate inquiry regarding the government's digital duty of care bill. He submitted numerous screenshots of content promoting self-harm, suicide, and social detachment. These materials were gathered from parents who are increasingly alarmed by the unchecked exposure of children to dangerous online algorithms. ## Platform Accountability Challenges TikTok Australia’s head of public policy, Jessika Lofstedt, defended the platform's safety measures during the committee hearing. She claimed the company invests billions into trust and safety divisions to remove harmful content. However, critics argue these efforts remain insufficient, as dangerous posts continue to circulate widely among vulnerable young users. ## Legislative Friction Points Senator Pocock expressed frustration with tech companies, accusing them of avoiding responsibility during parliamentary appearances. He criticized the current digital duty of care bill for becoming a lobbyists' picnic, where firms seek exemptions from regulations. The legislation remains under intense scrutiny regarding its potential impact on freedom of expression. ## Algorithmic Impact on Youth The inquiry highlighted the unprecedented nature of non-stop streams depicting unrealistic health, fitness, and gambling content. Senator Pocock noted that many young people would prefer to delete social media entirely but feel trapped by peer pressure. Consequently, he argues that government-mandated safeguards are essential to protect the digital well-being of minors. ## The Scope of Harm Maria emphasized that a single post can cause significant damage, leading to social detachment and self-loathing in children. She described the phenomenon as silent and difficult for parents to detect until severe behavioral changes occur. Her testimony aims to force tech companies and the government to acknowledge their role in this crisis. ## Political Negotiation Hurdles The Senate is scheduled to report on the digital duty of care legislation next Friday. The bill's success depends on complex negotiations between the government, the Coalition, and the Greens crossbench. Senator Pocock has suggested that the Senate should use its full powers to compel tech executives to provide transparent, in-person testimony. ## Broader Societal Implications This case underscores the growing tension between rapid technological adoption and the protection of children's mental health. As policymakers weigh the balance between regulation and digital freedom, the experiences of families like Maria’s serve as a catalyst for reform. Future legislative outcomes will likely set precedents for how social media platforms operate. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9389397/david-pocock-confronts-tiktok-over-harmful-posts-fed-to-child/?src=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._