Australia has introduced a ban on social media use for under-16s with the aim of protecting young people from potential harm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the policy as “a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world.” But is this a desirable outcome? While many parents welcome the ban as a necessary safeguard for their children, social media companies have been reluctant to enforce it. Social media has frequently been linked to rising

Every year when Spotify Wrapped season falls upon us suddenly instagram becomes more judgemental than your mum at Christmas.  Is wrapped more than just data from the year? Has it become some kind of personality test? A public statement? Have you found yourself blasting more alternative music in the last few weeks of October in order to knock Taylor Swift off your top spot?  If so, you aren’t alone. There seems to be a fear of being basic when it comes to Wrapped and I get it,

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but with the current economic climate, keeping the festive spirit alive can feel like a challenge. Here’s a guide to creating a budget-friendly, yet still magical, Christmas. While shop-bought gifts definitely don’t go amiss, the time, energy, and thought that go into a handmade present really show your love and appreciation for someone. Air-dry clay is incredibly affordable and offers endless crafting possibili

At some point, we’ve all watched a film and recognised ourselves on-screen, or read a book and felt strangely seen. But are we getting too   close to fiction, and losing parts of ourselves along the way? No matter how hard we try to bridge the gap between reality and fiction, the truth is they’ll never quite align. That’s why we should be a little sceptical about how far mimicking fictional characters can take us. Yet choosing a designated comfort character still has its perk

That little naked baby is everywhere. The global success of the Sonny Angel, a smiling, wide-eyed, 3 inch mini figure, is reflective of the collectible toy craze that's taken over GenZ. Blind boxes, pre-packaged surprise toys, are practically all around; lined up on a shelf in your favourite influencer's bedroom, peeking out over laptops and phone cases, and in shops simply dedicated to selling them. The responsibility for this relentless promotion of these trinkets is owed t

I bet you’ve seen it already. The posters. The social media challenges. The facial hair of your male friends creeping ever and ever longer. As we near the close of Movember, we must praise the valiant efforts made towards destigmatising men’s mental health issues, and treating both prostate and testicular cancer. Having started small in Australia, Movember has gained real life traction, raising £400 globally since its establishment in 2003. But is fundraising truly enough to

My family takes Christmas traditions very seriously. Or better said, I take them very seriously. In my eyes, Christmas starts on December 1st, so if the decorations aren’t up by then, it isn’t Christmas yet. With those maths, the last weekend in November is when our house transforms into the Christmas spirit. But times are changing: university is a new chapter and the traditions are changing too. So down to the big debate: when is the right time to decorate for Christmas? It

Self-awareness is a double edged sword. It is important to understand social cues and act appropriately in certain circumstances, but has it become so debilitating that it has ultimately lost meaning? Are people too self-aware that they can no longer function without over-analysing every waking moment of their lives? Self awareness is your ability to understand your own thoughts and feelings, but also how others may perceive and react to your actions. It influences how you vi

Opening social media in the last few weeks has made one thing evident as temperatures have plummeted, people are dying to get cosy. Cosiness is the best antidote to the bleakness that comes with the beginning of winter and extends to every aspect of life. If you’re looking for a way to warm up a frosty November, give some of these ago. To give your home a winter update, make it softer for all five senses: think warm lighting, a berry-scented candle and a few festive decoratio

Transforming everyday tasks into an intentional, meaningful routine has captured the internet’s attention, becoming a defining feature of the viral “that girl” aesthetic. Mindfulness and meditation intertwine here, as the idea of genuinely enjoying your routine emerges as something quietly revolutionary. We all have habits, some intentional, others completely subconscious, that shape our daily decisions. For instance, mindlessly scrolling through your phone during every spare

It goes without saying that spending time alone and dedicating a few hours to ourselves is essential for our well-being. But where do we draw the line? Should we really be skipping plans with our besties just because we “aren’t in the mood”? Imagine this: you’ve been planning your extravagant 21st birthday for a whole year. The invitations went out six months ago, and the outfit has been hanging in your wardrobe for weeks. Then, two hours before the party, your best friend se

The back of the head, a hand on your arm, an additional plate on a dinner date; when did having a boyfriend become a cryptic secret only discovered by following a series of clues? Not only that, why are women so unwilling to admit that they are in a relationship, is it fear of the dreaded cringe or being labeled a ‘pick me girl’? Have boyfriends gone out of style? The New British Vogue article has us questioning why, even during autumn, a season famous for the festering desir

A guide to protecting your light as the darkness draws in. It’s 4pm but it may as well be midnight as you trudge back from your lecture. The excitement of Halloween is over but the Christmas spirit hasn’t yet kicked in. Welcome to November, where the remnants of autumn create a sludge on the pavement whilst the first flakes of winter haven’t yet fallen. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. Here are some ways to keep your spirits up this winter: Hibernation For the in

It cannot be denied that, despite all the fun and opportunities, the uni experience comes with an unspoken expectation to say  yes  to everything, from extracurriculars and society events to hosting a last-minute costume party for 20 friends of a friend. While saying yes can sometimes lead to great memories and experiences, it doesn’t always. Sometimes, protecting your peace matters more. We hate to admit it, but constant social plans and obligations can be overwhelming. Too

How to spot the difference between being driven and being drained 5am morning routines, extensive study sessions and ‘girlboss’ attitudes are what many people appear to be striving towards. With a multitude of influencers showcasing their productive lifestyles, they’re becoming increasingly easier to idolise. But is this a true reflection of a healthy lifestyle, or are we mistaking being driven for being drained? We’re constantly met with ‘Day in the Life’ and ‘Study With Me’

Scrolling through your phone can be a quick escape, especially when you’re looking to avoid the Sunday scaries. But when it becomes your...

A personal exploration of tips and tricks on how to have a successful morning routine.

An insight on when its best and how it's also okay to let go of friendships that no longer serve us.

Why are we always looking backwards instead of forwards? Madeleine has done a deep dive into nostalgia and is sharing all her tips.

A personal view on whether 75 hard is all that.