Social media algorithm exposure linked to B.C. teen's death
A 13-year-old from Williams Lake, B.C., reportedly died in September 2025 after being repeatedly exposed to harmful content promoted by a social media algorithm. Her mother has called for stronger child online safety protections, and the B.C. Attorney General has joined her advocacy.
What happened
In September 2025, 13-year-old Maddy Croswell died after repeated exposure to harmful content that was pushed to her by a social media platform, according to her mother Chelsey Whittingham.
Reported impact
The mother described experiencing the worst trauma imaginable from the loss of her daughter, who was a gymnast and student.
Governance controls
Whittingham said she and her family believed they were doing everything they could to protect their child.
In May 2026, B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma joined the family's call for improved child online safety.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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