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The November 15 edition

As the parent of a teenager, I am keenly aware of both sides of the argument when it comes to social media. A valuable tool for connectivity and inclusivity, or responsible for a rise in concerning behaviour as a result of unfettered access to content which does more harm than good? This debate will ramp up next month when the Albanese government’s social media age restrictions take effect. The new laws, some of the strictest in the world, will ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. For many parents, the discussion in the past few months has been about how will it work, and how do we walk back access for our older children? Natassia Chrysanthos explores these questions in our cover story with a group of teens who volunteered to undertake a five-day digital detox. The results make compelling reading for anyone looking for perspectives on how to navigate the change. My takeaway? That a digital detox perhaps should not just be limited to my teen ... – Melissa Stevens, editor

13 stories

‘Idk what to do’: Teens share their thoughts after test-driving the social-media ban

As Australia counts down to its world-first social media ban for under-16s on December 10, four teens report back from a trial five-day break from the apps.

  • Natassia Chrysanthos
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New York has never been a cheap city, but high taxes and the cost of living are driving an outflux.

Why the ultra rich are abandoning New York, as the city loses its finance-capital status

High local taxes, housing costs and a drop in finance-industry jobs mean New York City is losing its allure.

  • The Economist

‘I could have killed somebody’: Anthony Hopkins on realising he was an alcoholic

The actor, 87, talks about his childhood, the secret to playing a monster – and the epiphanies that changed his life.

  • David Marchese
Brett Duncan and sister Jess Colgan in the GingerSnap kitchen: “When I get moody or rude, he doesn’t get mad: he hugs me,” says Jess. “I often feel I don’t deserve his patience.”

At 14, Brett gave his sister a note and hid in the bathroom. Then she knocked on the door

Brett Duncan and his sister, Jess Colgan, run a vegan cake business in Melbourne. Brett, a qualified pastry chef, is deaf; Jess is a social enterprise CEO.

  • Dani Valent
Photographer and artist Polly Borland.

Ageing isn’t fun but exercise, meditation and friends help, this 66-year-old artist says

Australian photographer Polly Borland on working with Germaine Greer, putting her own flesh into her work – and why she’s been visiting a Buddhist temple.

  • Benjamin Law
Polly and Riley opted for a registry office wedding.

The average Australian wedding is $34,000. Polly and Riley’s choice starts at $480

In a year when Jeff Bezos’ wedding was slammed for its excess, registry weddings are on the rise.

  • Amy Molloy
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Stills from new series Robin Hood, starring Australia’s Jack Patten.

Will next-gen NIDA grads join former alumni Cate, Baz, Toni and Hugo?

Just 22 students – whittled down from 1000 applicants – will graduate from the world-acclaimed drama school next Friday.

  • Andrew Hornery

Help! Gathering mail for neighbours in the holidays is driving me postal

Modern Guru understands the weight of the responsibility of this role – but it also confers a certain status.

  • Danny Katz
The perfect accompaniment to an afternoon coffee.

Apple, lemon and ricotta cake

Best enjoyed accompanied by an afternoon coffee or tea.

  • 1-2 hrs
  • Julia Busuttil Nishimura

The one thing that can ruin your most prized bottle of wine

Bottle variation is a reality, but it’s misnamed. Our impression of wine varies according to what else is going on around us.

  • Huon Hooke
Inside South Yarra’s Bar Carolina, now run by celebrity chef Karen Martini.
Good Food hat15/20

‘Bursting with new energy’: Karen Martini’s latest venture is an instant hit – and hat

The celebrated chef has settled in to the revamped Bar Carolina in South Yarra, serving creative takes on broadly Italian food mixed with comforting classics.

  • Dani Valent
Hongdae Pocha.
14/20

This buzzy Korean barbecue spot has one of the best beef selections around

Chippendale’s new K-BBQ joint is great for groups looking for a grill-your-own meat blowout.

  • Callan Boys
Quiz index gif.

Put your general knowledge to the test with the Good Weekend quiz

Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?

Other editions

The March 21 edition

Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane

  • 11 stories

The March 14 edition

The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend

  • 13 stories