By Isabella Ross, ABC News
Emma Mason. Photo: ABC News / Greg Bigelow
Warning: This article discusses suicide.
In the weeks after her speech in front of world leaders, Emma Mason has faced one of the most overwhelming periods of her life since she began her fight against the tech companies behind social media platforms.
Back in September, the Bathurst mother and lawyer spoke at an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to explain Australia's social media age limit.
It piqued the interests of global leaders and international media, with Mason's family story at the centre of her advocacy - hoping no other child has to experience what her late daughter endured online.
Fifteen-year-old Matilda "Tilly" Rosewarne was relentlessly bullied by her peers on social media, and on 16 February 2022, Tilly took her own life.
"Sadly, Tilly died from a thousand cuts that occurred over the course of her short life," Mason said. "This was a death from bullying - exacerbated by social media."
How a Bathurst mother stood up to world leaders
At the UN event, Mason met a leader of a country who said he would be trying to work with social media companies on the issue of youth safety.
"I then boldly said, 'You're wrong. They're all about the algorithm … they're not interested in the human cost of what's going on'. He then said, 'You're right'," Mason reflected.
Another leader of a country then told Mason their nation was "completely onboard" with implementing a similar age limit, though Mason was disappointed to see that leader meet with Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety.
Davis once told an Australian joint select committee in 2024: "I don't think that social media has done harm to our children."
Mason also met former prime minister and now Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd.
"He was lovely and held my hand at one moment, so that was pretty beautiful - giving me some support after I spoke," she said.
After Mason's speech, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told the audience she had been "inspired" by Australia's "bold" move to introduce the ban.
"As a mother of seven children, and grandmother of five, I share their view," she said.
The European Parliament has since passed a non-legislative report that would set a minimum age of 16 for social media, while allowing those aged 13 to 15 with parental consent.
Last month, Malaysia announced all social media platforms would have to ban users under the age of 16 from 1 January.
Denmark also promised to bar under 15s from social media unless they have parental consent.
Many states in the US have legislated minimum age restrictions for social media though few have taken effect due to legal challenges against them.
"It's an absolute hot topic that people are talking about in the world … but I don't think America will ever fully come to the party," Mason said.
"America has a complex geopolitical landscape. If they can't put down their guns, how can they manage the idea of social media harm to children?"
'This is 100 per cent about Tilly'
In the whirlwind 11 weeks since her speech, Mason has been awarded the president's medal from the Law Society of NSW - its highest honour for solicitors - and also been named Marie Claire's 2025 changemaker of the year.
The social media age limit has now taken effect this week for Australia.
"I'm really excited that it's happening. I'm also really nervous. You have to start somewhere. You don't judge success on day one or day seven. This is an evolving piece of legislation, it's complex," she noted.
While deeply grateful for the accolades, Mason hopes this next chapter includes more peace for her family.
"The wins have filled me with serious honour, but ultimately this is one hundred per cent about Tilly and all the children," she said.
"I just want to get through Christmas, New Year's and February, which for our family is really awful. It's a bumpy space. Suicide does that to families."
On Wednesday, state governments lit up various landmarks across the country in celebration of the start of the social media age limit, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge lit up green and gold.
For Australian parents now having the law on their side in the battle to separate their kids from their phones, Ms Mason said, "it's going to be hard, but stay strong".
"We know why we're doing this," she said.
"For Tilly, this is such a massive win. It makes no difference, I know she's gone. But for kids who are being subjected to bullying on social media, it stops now."
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
- Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
- ABC
