Hi friends,

Thanks again for signing and sharing. Today I just wanted to share some reflections. So welcome to my TED Talk.

This week, different media outlets have covered the petition with balanced and supportive articles. On threads and in my DMs, different members of the public have responded to the petition with unbalanced and abusive comments. 

It’s been unsurprising and surprising. 

What’s unsurprising is that some people disagree. I’m ok with that. 

What’s unsurprising is that people want the freedom to celebrate Halloween. I’m ok with that too.

Here’s what’s surprising…

I’m surprised how passionately and vehemently people are defending the tasteless public display of blood and gore. 

I’m surprised how many people miss the point that placing this content in a dedicated section will have no impact on their life. 

I’m surprised how many people are telling me my kids should just toughen up.

But fundamentally, I’m surprised at the lack of empathy and compassion for our young people from adults who are meant to champion and protect them. 

I’m all for free speech so people can say what they like.

That’s why I’m speaking up with this petition. To champion and protect our young people. And why I thank you for adding your voice, and encourage you to keep sharing it.

As I shared today with my son. Hateful comment threads will be lost to the internet in a week. But these signatures will amount to an effort for change.

Here’s the vision. Surely there’s 100k parents in Australia like you and me want the choice to protect their kids. 

Thankyou for coming to my TED Talk 😆

Many thanks,

Tim