Katie Watson

Jo Tidy, BBC cyber correspondent, and Katie Watson, BBC Australia correspondent, delve into Australia’s controversial social media ban for teens. They discuss the addictive nature of social media and its impact on youth mental health. The conversation highlights proposed regulations aimed at protecting teens, alongside both the creative benefits and dangers of online engagement. They also tackle the complexities of enforcing age restrictions and the challenges parents face in navigating their children's digital lives.

Mayani Jones, an Africa correspondent, shares gripping insights into the illegal mining crisis in South Africa and its impact on local communities. Meanwhile, Katie Watson reports on the Erin Patterson trial in Australia, highlighting the public's fascination with the courtroom drama. Both discuss the harrowing humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the Red Cross chief calling it 'worse than hell on Earth', revealing the urgent need for aid access amidst ongoing conflict.

BBC's Katie Watson and Jack Lau discuss China's use of pandas for diplomatic relations. Katharina Marie Sperling sheds light on the costs of keeping them. The podcast explores panda mating habits and their dwindling numbers in the wild.