British Columbia mother urges regulation of harmful social‑media algorithms after teen's death

Chelsey Whittingham, mother of 13‑year‑old Maddy Croswell who died in September 2025, says social‑media platforms repeatedly pushed self‑harm and suicide‑related content to her daughter's feed. She called for federal legislation to restrict algorithmic recommendations that target minors, stronger age‑verification transparency, and independent oversight of social‑media companies.

At a news conference, British Columbia Attorney General Niki Sharma praised Australia's decision to raise the maximum penalty for breaches of its social‑media age‑verification law to AUD 99 million (about CAD 96.8 million), saying such fines would compel companies to act. Whittingham urged a coordinated effort among governments, educators, health‑care providers and tech firms, and stressed the need for parental education on setting limits and monitoring online activity.