Radio National Breakfast

With the federal government's social media ban just days away ... teenagers across the country have already begun finding their accounts suspended.

The tech giants have been rolling out their age verification checks ahead of Wednesday's deadline.

Guest: Dr Jo Orlando, digital wellbeing expert and author of 'Generation Connected: How to parent in a digital world – at every age and stage'.

Producer: Grace Stranger

It was a question filled with hope: was Oscar Piastri about to become the first Australian to secure a Formula One Championship in 45 years?  

But it wasn't to be.

Earlier this morning, the 24-year-old Victorian finished second in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leaving him third overall in the championship.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has again defended the US military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, saying President Donald Trump has the power to take military action "as he sees fit".

It comes amid a massive US military build-up in the Caribbean and ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela.

On the 8th of December 2024, Syria's former dictator Bashar al-Assad fled the country after the capital was captured by rebel forces.

One year on, more than a million people have returned to Syria, where the new government says it's focused on efforts to rebuild the country — but the situation remains fragile.

Agenda-setting news coverage, breaking news and stories impacting the lives of all Australians.

The Government has looked to make headway on several key issues this week, including addressing the Briggs' 'jobs for mates' review, and signalling its prepared to update its social media banned list.

It comes as the Liberal party prepares to finalise its migration policy and unveil the findings of its election review. 

With the social media ban for under-16s just around the corner, teens are already being kicked off some platforms, with Meta removing accounts from Instagram, Threads and Facebook.And as younger Australians prepare for the transition, those in regional and rural areas are worried the ban could have an isolating effect.  

Glenelg golf course in Adelaide is being used as a sanctuary for 500 Olive Perchlets who have just been reintroduced into South Australia after 40 years.

Tasmania will get the AFL team it's waited decades for, after state parliament approved a $1.1 billion new Hobart stadium, ending a years-long debate over the project, which the state's Planning Commission said taxpayers couldn't afford.The AFL made the licence contingent on a new stadium, with the Tasmanian Devils now set to join the league in 2028.

Laws restricting social media use to Australians older than 16 will take effect next week... 

The Opposition Leader Sussan Ley says she has "no confidence" the ban will work amid what she's described as a "totally chaotic" rollout.