Young Australians are reporting that graphic footage of U.S. commentator Charlie Kirk being shot has appeared unexpectedly in their social media feeds. Many expressed regret over viewing the disturbing content. Kirk, a prominent right-wing podcaster known for mobilizing youth support for former President Donald Trump, was shot at a rally in Utah this week. Videos of the incident, including scenes of students fleeing, have circulated widely on various platforms.

Several Australian high school students spoke anonymously about their experiences with the video. One student, Peter, described the shock of encountering the footage. "The video was circulating on social media sites, plastered everywhere, all over Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and it was quite shocking," he said. "You open Instagram, go to the reels section, and it’s just there, the first post. It was really just a terrible thing to see. You have to wonder how that ends up on social media so readily and isn’t moderated in any way. It’s quite disturbing."

Another student, Brett, recounted how he received the video from a friend. "I just woke up and got sent it by a mate. I saw him talking, and then just bang. I don’t wish that upon anyone, especially someone who has not actually done anything wrong. He’s just voiced an opinion. No one deserves that," he said. Brett noted the difference between fictional violence in movies and the reality of seeing someone shot.

Anna, another student, expressed her regret about watching the footage. "Some videos were blurred, but others showed blood pouring out of him. It was very explicit and gross. I thought it was really shocking, and I think it was an act of trying to scare everyone."

Experts are weighing in on the issue. Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, stated that while graphic content is more prevalent on social media, such material has historically appeared in traditional media as well. "I don’t think this generation suddenly has a lot more access," he said. He noted that while some graphic content is removed, others evade detection by social media algorithms due to being remixed or altered.

Leaver also commented on Australia’s proposed ban on social media access for users under 16. He cautioned that while the ban may limit immediate access to such content, it would not completely prevent young people from encountering it through other means, such as direct messages. "It would certainly go some way to not being able to just jump on to any platform and find it immediately, which is often the case in the immediate aftermath of something like this," he said.

The eSafety Commission has received multiple complaints regarding the online material related to Kirk's shooting. A spokeswoman stated that some reports indicate school-age children have accessed unedited footage through popular social media platforms. The commission is currently assessing the material and collaborating with platforms to address its presence.

"We encourage Australians who come across such material to report it rather than share it further, even if this is to alert others to the danger," the spokeswoman said. "Avoiding further sharing will help limit the spread of such material and minimize the harm it causes, particularly to children and young people."

She emphasized that all online platforms have a responsibility to protect users by swiftly removing or restricting harmful content, especially that which could radicalize or manipulate vulnerable individuals. The commission will continue to work with platforms to ensure compliance with Australian law.