FEAR & GREED | Business News Q+A: How a breakfast radio host helped changed our social media laws
Dec 9, 2025
Michael "Wippa" Wipfli, co-host of Nova Sydney’s Fitzy & Wippa, discusses his role in the groundbreaking 36 Months campaign that raised the social media age in Australia from 13 to 16. He shares insights on the relief felt after the law change and the strong bipartisan support behind it. Wippa highlights the harmful effects of algorithms on teen mental health and anticipates international interest in the move. He’s optimistic that expected legal challenges will fail, backed by parents and common sense.
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World-First Age Raise
- Australia raised the social media access age from 13 to 16 as a world-first legal reform after public pressure.
- Michael Wippa Wipfli says the change reflects parents' voices and government willingness to act.
Algorithms Amplify Teen Insecurity
- Social media algorithms exploit teens' vulnerabilities and act as "insecurity amplifiers."
- Michael Wippa Wipfli explains platforms target users based on behavior, intensifying body-image and appearance pressures.
Global Interest After The Policy Pledge
- Michael Wippa Wipfli recounts international interest after Australia committed to the change.
- He says delegations from the UK, Japan and the Philippines contacted 36 Months for guidance.