Simone Holtznagel on Social Media Trolls and Fears for Daughter Gia: ‘It’s Already Brutal’

Simone Holtznagel has shared her concerns about the dangers of social media, revealing she already fears the impact it could have on her young daughter as she grows up in an increasingly digital world.

The 31-year-old, who welcomed her daughter Gia last year, admitted she’s already thinking about how the online world might affect her little girl when she’s older.

‘I definitely worry about social media with Gia, not right now but when she goes to school and gets older,’ she told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday. 

‘It is already terrible and brutal so who knows what it is going to be like by then.’

Holtznagel, who rose to fame as a contestant on Australia’s Next Top Model and has since become a staple in the fashion and influencer space, knows all too well the toxic underbelly of the internet.

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Simone Holtznagel has shared her concerns about the dangers of social media, revealing she already fears the impact it could have on her young daughter Gia

The 31-year-old, who welcomed her first child last year, admitted she’s already thinking about how the online world might affect her little girl when she’s older

She’s been the target of online trolls herself and says the experience has made her more vocal when it comes to standing up to bullying.

While many suffer in silence, she said she’s grateful to have the platform and confidence to call out abusive behaviour – something not everyone feels empowered to do.

Though she admits she’s developed a thick skin over the years, Holtznagel says the intensity of online criticism continues to shock her.

From cruel remarks about her appearance to unsolicited opinions about her parenting, the model has copped it all – and it’s made her more protective than ever.

The new mum now uses her experiences to advocate for greater kindness online and hopes social media platforms will evolve to offer better protections by the time her daughter reaches school age.

Simone previously dated celebrity personal trainer Jono, 34, and they welcomed their daughter before ending things late last year.

Jono has since moved on with Love Triangle star Emily Ryder, with the two debuting their relationship on social media.

Last month, Jono was spotted enjoying a romantic night out with Emily at the Sydney Opera House.

Jono and Simone (left) dated for almost two years after meeting through Sydney’s social scene and share a daughter Gia, one, together

The pair have reportedly been dating for several months and are taking things ‘very slowly’.

Sources close to the couple say Jono and Emily bonded over their shared passion for fitness and adventure, and are often seen working out together.

While the couple have kept their relationship relatively low-key until now, insiders claim they are ‘absolutely smitten’ and looking forward to spending even more time together.

Jono and Simone dated for almost two years after meeting through Sydney’s social scene and share Gia, one, together. 

The trainer, who owns the Acero fitness brand, remains one of Australia’s most in-demand celebrity trainers, having worked with the likes of Rebel Wilson, Rita Ora and Michael Clarke.