Michael Wipfli, known to many as ‘Wippa’ from Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie, recently addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, spotlighting his groundbreaking social change initiative, 36 Months.
Co-founded in 2024, 36 Months is a campaign advocating to raise the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16. The initiative was born out of growing concerns about the mental health crisis among teenagers, driven by early and excessive exposure to social media. Michael’s speech, delivered alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, framed the issue not as a ban, but as a “buffer”—a window of time to support healthier teen development.
The campaign gained momentum by elevating the conversation from a communications debate to a public health crisis. It united grieving families, educators, and experts, and successfully influenced Australian legislation, making it the first country to enact such a law. The new minimum age will take effect on December 10.
Michael’s advocacy has sparked international interest and the campaign has been recognized globally. His passionate address resonated with world leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed support for similar legislation across Europe.
36 months isn’t just a social media delay, it’s a window of opportunity to be more deliberate about healthy teen development, just like our government was when they restructured the cabinet and connected the communications portfolio with the sports portfolio under Minister Anika Wells. “Off their devices and onto the playing fields” as the PM said.
From radio host to global advocate, Michael’s commitment to social change through 36 Months is reshaping how societies support adolescent wellbeing in the digital age.
Michael attended Scotch from 1986 to 1997. He was Captain of Bond House in 1997 and he was a member of the First XVIII squad.
