The death of a teenage girl due to strangulation during sex has reignited debate over the influence of pornography and social media on young people's sexual behaviour. In an opinion piece published by the Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times and The Age, authors David Corlett and Maree Crabbe assert that so-called 'choking' has become a normalised part of sex for a generation exposed to violent online content. They argue that platforms must be held responsible for the consequences.

While the specifics of the case have not been publicly detailed, the authors use it as a stark illustration of a broader trend. Research cited by public health experts indicates that strangulation during sex—often euphemistically called 'breath play'—is increasingly common among teenagers and young adults, driven in part by easy access to extreme pornography. A 2023 study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that 57% of young people aged 15 to 20 had seen pornography depicting choking or strangulation.

The 'rough sex' defence, where defendants claim the victim consented to such acts, has been used in several high-profile murder cases in Australia and abroad. In 2022, a man in Queensland was convicted after using that defence in a death, leading to calls for law reform. However, the issue is not solely legal—it touches on education, mental health, and platform governance.

Critics of the authors' position caution against sweeping regulation. Free speech advocates argue that blaming platforms for user-generated content risks censorship and ignores the role of parents and schools. The pornography industry notes that many sites already require age verification, though compliance is inconsistent. Sex educators emphasise the need for comprehensive, consent-focused programs that teach young people to recognise risky behaviour.

Legal experts point out that proving causation between online content and individual actions is difficult. While there is strong correlation, correlation does not equal causation. Still, the Australian eSafety Commissioner has previously taken action against platforms failing to remove harmful material, and a 2024 parliamentary inquiry recommended stricter age verification for adult content.

Corlett and Crabbe's piece closes with a call for community conversation and systemic change, arguing that another death will be inevitable without action. Whether that action will come—and what form it will take—remains an open question, with stakeholders divided on the best path forward.