SXSW Sydney: ‘Like cigarettes, this is going to take time’ – Wippa, Hamish Blake and Maggie Dent back raising the age for social media citizenship

October 18, 2024 10:06

At a panel at SXSW Sydney on Wednesday, radio host, comedian, and co-founder of the 36 Months initiative, Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli reminded the audience why social media is not a safe place for kids.

36 Months, a social change initiative co-founded by Wippa and CEO of production company FINCH, Rob Galluzzo, is urging the government to mandate social media citizenship, delaying the age teenagers can sign up to social media platforms from 13 to 16.

At a panel discussion alongside fellow comedian, Hamish Blake, and parenting author, educator, and speaker, Maggie Dent, hosted by ex-global head of entertainment at TikTok, Felicity McVay, Wippa acknowledged that while there is a place for social media in this world, it is not for young people.

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Lauren McNamara

Lauren McNamara is a freelance journalist. She previously spent three years at Mumbrella, most recently as the associate editor. She left her staff role in August 2025.