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The 2024 election may be over, but its effect on some people's mental health is starting to become clear. Two major crisis hotlines saw huge increases in contact before and after Election Day.

The Trevor Project, which provides free 24/7 crisis services to LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24, told Mashable that conversation topics related to the election surged by 200 percent on Nov. 3 and 4, compared to a few days prior to that timeframe.

SEE ALSO: How to take a mental health day after Election Day

By midnight eastern time of Election Day, calls to The Trevor Project's lifeline and conversations that took place via chat and text collectively increased by 125 percent compared to a normal day for the service. That volume continued into the morning of Nov. 6, and the organization anticipates it will remain steady, or potentially increase.

Crisis Text Line reported a similar trend. Conversations about anxiety and stress began rising the Friday before the election. On Election Day, they'd increased by a third of their normal volume.

In general, the nonprofit observed the start of a spike in volume on Sunday. During election week in 2020, Crisis Text Line saw a prominent uptick in conversations related to LGBTQ+ stress, a trend that continued this year. Starting last Friday, Crisis Text Line observed a surge from LGBTQ+ texters that rose by 56 percent by Election Day.

This election appeared to be especially hard on LGBTQ+ youth. In a recent survey of LGBTQ+ youth, 90 percent of respondents said politics had negatively affected their well-being.

President-elect Donald Trump frequently attacked transgender rights on the campaign trail and made anti-trans ads a centerpiece of his campaign. Project 2025, a far-right playbook of conservative initiatives championed by some of Trump's closest advisors, also targets LGBTQ+ rights, according to Accountable.us, a non-partisan watchdog group.

The playbook recommends that the Department of Justice defend the First Amendment right of people to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, undo the Department of Health and Human Service's focus of "LGBTQ+ equity," and reverse the Department of Defense's policy allowing transgender people to serve in the military.

"Young people are wondering if they have a place in the future," Kevin Wong, senior vice president of marketing, communications, and content for The Trevor Project, told Mashable.

"Young people are wondering if they have a place in the future." - Kevin Wong, The Trevor Project

Wong recommended that youth feeling overwhelmed or distressed by the election results take a few basic steps to improve their well-being, some of which are outlined in a new Trevor Project guide on the topic.

Wong says youth may benefit from pausing and taking a moment to do something they enjoy, like listening to their favorite album, cooking, or moving their body. (The Trevor Project offers its own visual breathing exercise.)

While he understands the desire to stay informed right now, Wong also suggests taking deliberate breaks from reading the news and engaging with social media. This can be particularly important before bed, to help process the day's events.

Cultivating a sense of hope is also critical, Wong says. This can mean learning about organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, and finding community at local LGBTQ+ centers.

For young people who feel they need to urgently learn about the different types of discrimination they might face, Wong says it's important to remember that state and federal policies will not change overnight. As a result, youth can spend the coming weeks taking care of themselves and considering how to protect their rights.

Finally, Wong says that caring adults can help youth navigate this uncertain time by making it clear where they stand. If an adult knows an out LGBTQ+ young person, reaching out directly to offer their support may help alleviate their anxiety.

But adults should also consider that some teens may not yet openly identify as LGBTQ+. So public gestures of support, like sharing mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth on social media or making affirmative comments during a conversation, offer positive indications.

"Signaling that you are an ally... can do wonders for feeling accepted for LGBTQ+ young people," Wong says.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

Best iPad deals ahead of Black Friday Best iPad mini deal Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) $499.99 (Save $89.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best standard iPad deal Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (9th generation, WiFi, 64GB) $199.99 (Save $129.01) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $549 (Save $50) Get Deal

iPads can hit some of their lowest prices of the year during Black Friday, but if you're not a fan of how hectic it can get, you can still score solid deals if you shop early.

With retailers like Best Buy and Walmart starting their sales on Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 respectively, deals on hot ticket items like tablets start to roll in early. Plus, Amazon marks down Apple's iPads year round, so even though they haven't officially announced their Black Friday plans yet, there are plenty of iPad deals on our list below from the mega-retailer.

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Be on the lookout for early holiday deals.

As for whether you'll score significantly better prices during Black Friday, it's hard to say. We predict that the iPad Air will likely drop lower than a $50 discount, while the ninth-generation iPad could drop lower (but it's an older model already priced to move). In any case, if there's an iPad deal worth checking out, we'll keep our list updated to reflect that.

Best iPad deal ahead of Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) $499.99 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal Why we like it

We'll be honest, the best iPad deal is going to be the one on the model that most meets your needs — maybe that feels obvious, but considering that there are four different kinds of iPads on sale at the moment, it's worth a reminder. That said, we were surprised to see the A17 Pro iPad mini on sale, considering Apple quietly dropped it on the market just a few weeks ago. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder reviewed the tablet and deemed it the best tablet out there for anyone who wants something compact. Compared to the last generation, it comes packed with a faster chip and compatibility with Apple Intelligence.

Speaking of the previous generation mini (which this tablet resembles almost exactly in design), Mashable Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino deemed the mini the best iPad for reading, thanks to its size, and versatility to still be a great tablet for streaming shows.

More iPad deals

iPad

• Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (9th generation, WiFi, 64GB) — $199.99 $329 (save $129.01)

• Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (10th generation, WiFi, 64GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (9th generation, WiFi, 256GB) — $349.99 $479 (save $129.01)

iPad Air

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $549 $599 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01 with on-page coupon)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 512GB) — $799.99 $899 (save $99.01 with on-page coupon)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 1TB) — $998 $1,099 (save $101)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 512GB) — $949 $1,099 (save $150)

iPad mini

• Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A15 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $349.99 $499 (save $149.01)

• Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A15 Bionic, WiFi, 256GB) — $459.99 $649 (save $189.01 with on-page coupon)

• Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, WiFi, 512GB) — $699.99 $799 (save $99.01 with on-page coupon)

iPad Pro

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB) — $1,999 $2,299 (save $300)

If you were wondering why Elon Musk suddenly decided to plunge more than $130 million supporting Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. election, the first answer arrived on Wednesday — when Musk's net worth increased by a whopping $15 billion. Which, if you do the math, comes out to a 11,538 percent return on investment.

And that's not all Musk and his companies are likely to get out of the election result.

First a quick recap: Musk's support for Trump was far from inevitable. Indeed, back in July 2022, when he was finalizing his Twitter takeover, Musk tweeted that Trump should "hang up his hat and sail into the sunset." This was in response to Trump calling Musk "another bullshit artist." After the sunset comment, Trump hit back by recounting Musk's requests for government subsidies in his first term: "I could have said 'drop to your knees and beg' and he would have done it," Trump wrote.

The two had been feuding on and off since Musk was appointed to Trump's advisory councils in 2017, then resigned when Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accords. Musk's politics appear to have been drifting rightwards for years, but initially he supported Florida governor Ron DeSantis over Trump in the GOP primaries — to the point of hosting DeSantis' campaign launch in a disastrous Twitter Spaces stream in 2023.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's $1 million election giveaway has provoked a second lawsuit

Two years after the "bullshit artist" feud, and six months after DeSantis dropped out, Musk officially endorsed Trump. Still, the world's richest man took a few more months to fully open the floodgates of his fortune. His America PAC spent around $30 million in August and September, then ramped up to an estimated $130 million total in the final months of the campaign. That includes the infamous $1 million-a-day voter "lottery" that Musk's own lawyers admitted wasn't actually a lottery.

Musk began coordinating with the Trump campaign, and went full "dark MAGA" at his first Trump rally less than a month before the election. His midriff-baring X-shaped leaps on stage led to one of the more memorable lines of the campaign, when VP candidate Tim Walz described Musk "skipping like a dipshit."

Whether Musk's bizarre appearances actually helped the Trump campaign is an open question, but evidently the billionaire's cash infusion didn't hurt. What we don't know, and may never know is what Musk and Trump discussed off-stage.

We do know, however, that Musk has at least 20 reasons to be looking for leniency from the next administration.

The Musk-Trump axis

The tech mogul needs the president-elect because Musk's companies face a total of "at least 20" federal probes, according to a New York Times report. It matters greatly to Musk who Trump picks to lead the Departments of Justice, Labor, and Transportation, on top of any new appointees to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Trade Commission, because all those agencies are investigating potential violations at Tesla, SpaceX, NeuraLink, and Twitter/X. All four companies, not to mention Musk himself, could face major fines. Or the investigations could be quietly quashed.

And on the positive side of the ledger, there is much, much more that Musk could gain from a second Trump administration. Not just the extension of those EV subsidies and tax credits that Musk wanted in Trump's first term, but also government contracts galore. Musk has won $16 billion in contracts over the last decade — the vast majority of it via SpaceX, on which NASA is increasingly reliant. (Trump will also get to appoint a new NASA administrator.)

Roughly $3 billion of that landed in Musk's coffers over the last year, so the tax-dollars-to-Musk pipeline is only getting larger. His Starlink satellite internet service, which Musk recently claimed he would offer for free to Hurricane Helene victims (it turned out to be a 30-day free trial), will likely earn him billions more in contracts under Trump, according to a Washington Post investigation.

And then there's the still-vague notion Trump has floated, of Musk actually running a significant chunk of the federal government himself. There's no word yet on plans for a "Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)," which Musk named for one of his favorite memes. Asked at Trump's Madison Square Garden rally how much this department could cut from the annual federal budget, Musk said $2 trillion.

Given that the government's entire discretionary budget is just $1.7 trillion, Musk could only reach this number by slashing mandatory spending — Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, in other words. Politicians traditionally shy away from cutting these hugely popular programs. Musk, of course, is no politician, and will never have to face the voters himself.

What Trump has to fear from Musk

Who has the upper hand in this relationship — the most powerful world leader or the world's richest man?

Though his bravado would never allow him to say so openly, Trump has much to fear from Musk. If the two fell out again — a distinct possibility, given the vast array of former Trump officials who feuded with their boss in his first term — Musk has plenty of avenues for revenge.

First up, Musk has total control over Trump's precious, the @realdonaldtrump handle that propelled him to power back in 2016. In 2021, the account was "permanently" suspended after Trump encouraged the January 6 insurrection. When Musk took over, he initially said he'd rely on a "content moderation council" to make the restoration decision. A month later Musk did it via Twitter poll, in which the pro-Trump side won by a hair, with 51.8% of the vote.

What Musk giveth, Musk can also take away — and he has plenty of reasons to do so. Trump has been convicted, and may yet be sentenced, on 34 counts of business fraud. In a separate civil fraud case, he has been ordered to pay an already-reduced $175 million penalty. He still stands accused in multiple cases of attempting to overthrow the 2020 election results, not to mention the charges of unlawfully keeping classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

Musk doesn't even have to go so far as to remove Trump's account again; there are many ways to keep the administration and its scandal-plagued leader in line. The X algorithm has already been tweaked to favor Trump. It would be child's play to tweak it again, de-platforming any Republican politician or appointee who stands up to Musk. Removing his government contracts would pose little threat, given how much the government is reliant on them.

Musk has also said his America PAC will keep going through the 2026 midterm elections. If Trump doesn't want to face a Democratic Congress — one that will likely have even more reasons to impeach him for a third time — the president-elect and his team will have to keep Musk on their side.

It's early days yet, and there may be many more twists to this tale of two highly mercurial billionaires. But the relationship could easily become as imbalanced as their relative fortunes. (Musk is worth $292 billion and rising, according to the Forbes list; Trump can muster between $4 to 8 billion net worth depending on the value of his media company, which just erased all of its post-election gains.) So much so, in fact, that Musk could soon earn himself a new unofficial title: shadow president.

ROSÉ felt the heat during 'Hot Ones' but found a great coping strategy: a stress ball.

Robert Downey Jr plays an acclaimed novelist with an unhealthy relationship with Artificial Intelligence in 'McNeal'. Projectionist and designer, Jake Barton, was tasked in creating the visually immersive element of the play to not only harness the essence of AI, but utilize it within the art itself.

The best deals to watch 'Deadpool & Wolverine' at a glance: BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Disney+ Premium annual subscription (no ads) $159.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Hulu and Disney+ with ads) $10.99 per month (save 44%) Get Deal BEST FOR FIOS CUSTOMERS Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $159.99) Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON WIRELESS CUSTOMERS Disney Bundle: Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $11.99 per month) Get Deal BEST WAY TO GET DISNEY+ FOR FREE Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free with the Total by Verizon $60 plan (save $15.99 per month) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Buy 'Deadpool & Wolverine' on Prime Video $19.99 Get Deal

Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine reunited the star power of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman this summer, attempting to save us from chronic superhero fatigue. It quickly became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time — and now it's headed to the small screen.

If you missed out on Marvel's most outrageous superhero's latest shenanigans in the theater, now's your chance to catch the movie from the comfort of your couch. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Deadpool & Wolverine at home.

What is Deadpool & Wolverine about?

Directed by Shawn Levy, (Free Guy, Night at the Museum), Deadpool & Wolverine uses a bit of reconning to situate its narrative after the events of Deadpool, Deadpool 2, and Logan. It follows Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Reynolds), whose existence is threatened when the Time Variance Authority interferes with his life. To save his universe, he hijacks the TVA to call upon a non-dead Wolverine (Jackman) for help. But, as Mashable's Film Editor Kristy Puchko wrote it in her review, "things go from team-up to trouble when Deadpool and his kidnapped Wolverine are pitched into the TVA's wasteland."

Get a sneak peek in the trailer below.

Is Deadpool & Wolverine worth watching?

Second to only Disney-Pixar's Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine's domestic, international, and worldwide box office numbers make it the biggest theatrical release of the year. But, as you probably know, numbers don't always tell the whole story. In this case, audiences not only showed up for the film, but came out of the theaters loving it. On Rotten Tomatoes, it's currently sitting at a 94 percent audience score. Critics, on the other hand, are slightly less enthused. The sequel has just a 78 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Our own reviewer criticized the Disney-fying of Marvel's most outrageous superhero, writing, "It seems without a big studio franchise to fight against or parody, Deadpool becomes another cog in the Marvel machine." However, she also adds that "Levy and his team pack so much entertainment into this chaotic movie that it's easy to overlook its rough bits as you're watching."

Is it going to save superhero movies? Probably not. But as Puchko noted, "It's just really fucking fun."

Read our full review of Deadpool & Wolverine.

How to watch Deadpool & Wolverine at home Credit: 20th Century Studios / MARVEL

A little over two months after Deadpool & Wolverine's explosive theatrical debut, it became available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can purchase the film for your digital library for $19.99. It will also be available to rent at a later date. If you'd rather stream Deadpool & Wolverine, keep scrolling to learn more.

As of Oct. 1, you can purchase the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99

• Apple TV — buy for $19.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $19.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99

When is Deadpool & Wolverine streaming?

Deadpool & Wolverine is set to make its streaming debut on Nov. 12 on Disney+. It's a bit surprising that an R-rated film will join the library on the family-friendly streamer instead of Hulu (where most R and PG-13 films produced by Disney subsidiaries appear), but since Disney+ is the home to all the other films and shows in the MCU, it only makes sense that Deadpool & Wolverine join them.

Not yet a Disney+ subscriber? Subscriptions start at $9.99 after a price hike last month, but we've rounded up a few of the best ways you can save some money on the streaming service below.

The best Disney+ streaming dealsBest Disney+ deal for most people Opens in a new window Credit: Disney+ Disney+ Premium annual subscription (no ads) $159.99/year (save 17%) Watch Now

Disney+ recently hiked its prices up from $7.99 to $9.99 with ads and $13.99 to $15.99 without ads, which is a mega bummer. Fortunately, though, you can still save some money on a subscription by signing up for a year upfront. With an annual plan without ads, you'll pay $159.99 per year, which breaks down to just $13.33 per month. That's about 17% in savings each month.

Best Disney+ bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Hulu and Disney+ with ads) $10.99 per month (save 44%) Watch Now

If you already subscribe to Hulu and you don't mind a few ads here and there, you can bundle Hulu with Disney+ for just $10.99 per month. That's basically like getting Disney+ for just $1 per month, saving you 44% compared to paying for each separately. You can also take things a step further and add Max (with ads) into the mix for a grand total of $16.99 per month. Or, if you're more into sports, sub Max for ESPN+ for just $14.99 per month for all three. Even though you have to deal with ads, it's a hard deal to beat. To watch without ads, you'll have to pay an extra $9 per month for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle and an extra $13 per month for the trio bundle with Max.

Best Disney+ trial Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free for 6 or 12 months with eligible Fios internet accounts (save up to $159.99) Watch Now

Verizon Fios home internet users on the 2 Gig Streaming or 2 Gig Complete package can score a free year of Disney+ Premium (no ads), while those on the 1 Gig Streaming or 1 Gig Complete package can sign up for six free months. Check your plan and read about eligibility terms over on the Verizon website to activate the offer. Either way, your trial should give you plenty of time to stream Deadpool & Wolverine for free.

Best Disney+ deal for Verizon Wireless customers Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon / Disney+ Disney Bundle: Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $11.99 per month) Watch Now

Verizon Wireless customers can get a stellar deal on Disney+ through Verizon myPlan. Just add a Disney Bundle to your account through myPlan, which includes Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN (with ads). All three would usually cost you $37.97 per months separately, but by signing up through this myPlan deal, you'll only pay $10 per month. With the recent price increase of all three streamers, the Verizon myPlan deal hasn't changed, making it an even better deal.

Best way to get Disney+ for free Opens in a new window Credit: Total by Verizon Disney+ Premium (no ads) Free with the Total by Verizon $60 plan (save $15.99 per month) Watch Now

If you're a Total Wireless customer on the $60/month prepaid unlimited plan, you get Disney+ Premium (no ads) for free. No terms or trial periods. Just keep your account in good standing and you get Disney+ included with your account. If you cancel or switch your plan, your subscription will end as well. If you're on the $50/month prepaid unlimited plan, you can also score six free months of Disney+, which is plenty of time to watch Deadpool & Wolverine. Want to extend your trial? Just upgrade to the $60/month plan.

Microsoft's veteran Notepad app is getting the generative AI treatment. On Wednesday, Microsoft announced a new feature for Notepad called Rewrite, which lets users edit their text using an AI model. With Rewrite, users can adjust the tone, rephrase, and modify the length of their text.

Windows Notepad has been around since 1983 as a text editor for users to jot down notes and create simple text documents. Being the barebones application that it is, Notepad hasn't received much attention until recently. Just last March, Microsoft added spellcheck and autocorrect, which made us wonder why it took so long. But integrating generative AI editing and summarization skills is a fitting and more timely upgrade for the text editor.

SEE ALSO: Windows 11 replicates Apple's 'handoff' feature How to use the Notepad Rewrite tool

To use Rewrite for Notepad, highlight the text you want to change, right-click and select Rewrite. A window will pop up, giving you options to change the length, tone, or format of the text. Make your selections and click Replace. Rewrite will generate three options.

You can also copy the text, refine the results, or cancel your selection. Previous versions are saved, so you can easily revert back if you want to. Rewrite can also be disabled in your app settings.

The barebones Notepad app can now edit text with generative AI. Credit: Microsoft

To access Rewrite for Notepad, you'll have to be signed in to your Microsoft account since it runs in the cloud.

In the same announcement, Microsoft also introduced new generative AI features for another OG app, Paint. With the latest Windows 11 update, users can use generative fill to expand or edit an image — and generative erase to remove certain objects.

Rewrite for Notepad is launching in preview to Windows 11 users in United States, France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Generative Fill is initially available to Windows Insiders testers with Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, and Generative Erase is available to all Windows 11 PCs.

A quick look at the best Roomba deals before Black Friday Best standalone Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Combo j5 299.99 (save $230) Get Deal Best self-emptying Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ 729.99 (save $330.99) Get Deal

So many robot vacuums go on sale for Black Friday that decision fatigue is imminent — unless you're specifically set on a Roomba, that is.

Roombas do tend to run slightly more expensive than competitors with the same features, so November is a wise time to buy one — Black Friday has been known to trigger new record-breaking discounts on several Roomba models. In terms of where that happens, Amazon is the best place to find a Roomba on sale despite the flop of the acquisition of iRobot by Amazon (though iRobot's own website has good options, too). Because iRobot doesn't debut new models for the year at CES in January like many other big robot vacuum brands do, you can also be confident that the Roombas on sale during Black Friday won't be phased out in a month or two.

SEE ALSO: How to choose a robot vacuum in 2024: Consider these 5 features before buying

But wouldn't it be nice to get this Roomba in your home sooner to prepare for Thanksgiving guests or take care of the dust from the boxes of holiday decor? Several Roombas are already on sale weeks ahead of actual Black Friday on Nov. 29, including the hidden gem sitting at nearly 50% off that we've highlighted below.

This story will be updated any time a new noteworthy Roomba deal drops between now and Black Friday, so if you're still waiting for a certain model to go on sale, check back often. Not sure which Roomba model is best? Check out my guide that unpacks the differences between the main Roombas.

Best Roomba deal pre-Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo j5 $399.00 at Amazon
$729.99 Save $330.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Being offered almost 50% off the Roomba Combo j5+ weeks before Black Friday is a treat on its own, but the deal is sweetened considerably when put next to the current deal on the less-smart Roomba Combo i5+.

So for $100 less than the $499.99 Combo i5+ — let that sink in — the Combo j5+ brings home my favorite Roomba feature, one that lead me to crown the Combo j5+ as the best mopping Roomba value: iRobot's obstacle avoidance tech that keeps the vacuum from trying to suck up phone chargers or pet waste. I first experienced small obstacle avoidance when testing the Combo j7+, and it's easily the feature I prioritize most in robot vacuums now. If your previous complaint about robot vacuums was that you had to tidy up so that they wouldn't get stuck while cleaning, this will change the game.

Note that both the Combo j5 and i5 require you to be home to manually click the water tank on, and both can map your home and avoid (or tackle) carpeted rooms on command.

Other Roomba deals at Amazon

• iRobot Roomba Vac — $149 $249.99 (save $100.99)

• iRobot Roomba Vac and Mop (Y0140) — $159 $274.99 (save $115.99)

• iRobot Roomba Vac 2 with self-empty station — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150)

Other Roomba deals at iRobot.com

• iRobot Roomba i5+ — $279.99 $499.99 (save $220)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j5 — $299.99 $529.99 (save $230)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ — $899.99 $999.99 (save $150)

SAVE OVER 80%: Hundreds of audiobooks are on sale at Amazon, with some discounted by over 80%.

Best audiobook deals at Amazon Best mystery audiobook deal 'The Charity Shop Detective Agency' by Peter Boland $5.99 at Amazon (save $27.91) Get Deal Best historical fiction audiobook deal 'The Good Wife of Bath' by Karen Brooks $6.99 at Amazon (save $28.10) Get Deal Best travel-inspired audiobook deal 'Burma Sahib' by Paul Theroux $7.99 at Amazon (save $17.20) Get Deal

Now that we're dealing with early sunsets and cooler temps, settling in with a good audiobook for the evening has a special kind of appeal. Or if you're not one to sit still for long, following along with an audiobook on a walk, during the morning commute, or while doing chores around the house is a great addition. Pop in your earbuds and you'll be whirled off to a new world, on new adventures, or heading deep into learning mode.

If you're in the mood to save some money for Black Friday sales but are still on the lookout for new audiobooks, Amazon has some great titles on sale today. Here are a few of our top picks:

Best mystery audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Podium Audio 'The Charity Shop Detective Agency' by Peter Boland $5.99 at Amazon
$33.90 Save $27.91 Get Deal Why we like it

Dogs Need Nice Homes, the local charity shop, has lost a favorite customer. Sarah Brown, an 86-year-old who frequented the shop, was murdered under suspicious circumstances. She held a domino in her hand with a name sketched into it upon her death. Not long after, another death occurred, also with a domino in the hand of the deceased.

The ladies who work at Dogs Need Nice Homes take it upon themselves to solve the mystery of the unidentified serial killer and find unlikely allies with the Cats Alliance across the road.

Help the charity shops solve the case with the audiobook version of The Charity Shop Detective Agency by Peter Boland. The audiobook typically costs $33.90, but thanks to Amazon's sale price, you can download the audiobook for just $5.99, which means you'll save a massive 82%.

Best historical fiction audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Harper Audio 'The Good Wife of Bath' by Karen Brooks $6.99 at Amazon
$35.09 Save $28.10 Get Deal Why we like it

The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks takes us to the Middle Ages to meet Eleanor. Married off at just 12 years old to an elderly farmer, Eleanor realizes her life isn't going well. But her knack for business and a thankfully kind husband leads Eleanor to turn the tables on her fate. Follow along as the novel moves through her life's adventures, marriages, pilgrimages, and more.

With an impressive listening time of almost 20 hours, The Good Wife of Bath is a great pick if you're ready to spend some quality time with an audiobook over the holidays.

Best travel-inspired audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Podium Audio 'Burma Sahib' by Paul Theroux $7.99 at Amazon
$25.19 Save $17.20 Get Deal Why we like it

From acclaimed writer Paul Theroux, Burma Sahib takes a glimpse into the life of Eric Blair, a conscript who's less than pleased about his assignment as a servant to the British Empire in Burma. Adjusting to a new life mixed with fellow British and the language, culture, and people of Burma prove to be a challenge for Blair. Clashing with superiors means Blair is in for quite the adventure in his new home.

Those who are fans of George Orwell books might be particularly interested in Burma Sahib, since Eric Blair chose then pen name of George Orwell.

An Amazon editor's pick, the audiobook version of Burma Sahib is on sale for just $7.99, down from the list price of $25.19 which means you're in for a 68% discount.

More audiobook deals at Amazon:

• Inside These Halls by Adrian J. Smith — $5.99 $33.90 (save $27.91)

• The Black Swan of Paris by Karen Robards — $5.99 $33.29 (save $27.30)

• The Last Boleyn by Karen Harper — $6.99 $38.69 (save $31.70)

• On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin — $7.99 $46.79 (save $38.80)

• The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy — $7.99 $46.79 (save $38.80)

• The Stories of Paul Bowles — $7.99 $46.79 (save $38.80)

SAVE $101.99: As of Nov. 7, you can get the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless Gaming Headphones for $198. That's 34% off the original price, or $101.99 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony INZONE H9 wireless gaming headphones $198.00 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

Wade into the game with total immersion, with the Sony INZONE H9 Wireless Gaming Headphones. Whether you’re an esports champ or a co-op player signing on to the next Warhammer Space Marine 2 session with your pals, these headphones provide better audio with 360 spatial sound.

SEE ALSO: Where to pre-order the PlayStation 5 Pro

Spatial audio puts you into the action, creating a sonic panorama that tells you exactly where the action is happening on the battlefield and where you are in relation to it. Whether you’re investing in your own gaming war chest, or looking for a gift for a game aficionado, this headphone set is a great pick.

As of Nov. 7, the INZONE H9 wireless gaming headphones are available for $101.99 off. Get them for $198 and save 34%.

Tip-top sound doesn’t have room to shine unless you’re also able to eliminate distractions, and the Sony INZONE H9s do just this with noise cancellation. Passing sirens or barking dogs get mixed out of the world, allowing you to tune out distractions and focus on the game. An Ambient Sound Mode is also available, which will mix in nearby sounds so that you remain aware of your surroundings.

These wireless gaming headphones aren't only designed to tune the real world out. Bluetooth keeps them seamlessly locked into the action, but this 2.4GHz Bluetooth connection also means you'll be able to dial into other tech. Take calls from your phone or voice chat through software mid-game. 

The Kremlin did not bother to hide its efforts to influence the 2024 presidential election, as it did in the past.

Best early Black Friday AirPods deals Best AirPods Pro deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 169.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max 459 (save $90) Get Deal

Black Friday isn't here just yet, but it kind of already is, if that makes sense. You know the drill: Before most big shopping events nowadays, we usually see a bunch of early deals start to slowly crop up, ones that are definitely worth paying attention to. Especially if you're looking for tech products — Black Friday and pre-Black-Friday are always exciting times for those who are looking to catch up on the latest and greatest that the industry has to offer.

Headphones definitely fall into that category, specifically Apple's line of popular audio tech: AirPods. A few different AirPods models are on sale in the weeks preceding Black Friday, including the lastest release, the AirPods 4.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024

Check out all the best early Black Friday AirPods deals we could find below, and be sure to keep checking back, because we'll be updating this page as more offers go live.

Best AirPods Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple AirPods Pro 2, which come packed with great features like ANC, hearing protection options, personalized spatial audio, and more, are currently $80 off at Best Buy ahead of Black Friday. Best Buy is already advertising that there may be an even better offer during the official Black Friday sale, but if you can't wait to pick up a pair of the best-selling noise-cancelling earbuds, this discount isn't too shabby.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $459.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not really into earbuds, the AirPods Max are a good pair of over-ear headphones that'll allow you to stay within the Apple ecosystem (we get it, we like our tech to have synergy, too). The headphones come with active noise cancellation, personalized spatial audio, and a 20-hour battery life among other high-end features. They're usually pretty pricey, so it's best to snag them when they're on sale — ahead of Black Friday, you can get some for just $459 at Amazon, which saves you almost $100.

More early Black Friday AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $123.49 $129.99 (save $6.50 with My Best Buy Plus)

• Apple AirPods 4 + 3 months of Apple Music — $123.49 $129.99 (save $6.50 with My Best Buy Plus)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129.99 $169 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC + 3 months of Apple Music — $170.99 $179.99 (save $9 with My Best Buy Plus)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 7: OUR TOP PICK Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Google Nest Cam 2-pack (2nd gen, indoor/outdoor) $229.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (40mm, Bluetooth) $152.99 (save $47) Get Deal BEST SSD DEAL Samsung T9 portable SSD (4TB) $299.99 (save $250) Get Deal ANOTHER FITNESS TRACKER DEAL Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 (save $60) Get Deal

All you holiday shopping early birds will be pleased to know there are tons of deals you can already shop at Amazon. Weeks ahead of Black Friday, you can start checking off your shopping list (or treating yourself to a few things). We've rounded up some of the best discounts we could find at the mega retailer on Nov. 7, including brands like Fitbit, Google, and Samsung.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If you don't see anything that catches your eye, take a look at our picks from Nov. 5 and Nov. 6. Many of those deals are still live, including the new Bose Smart Soundbar's first price drop and a $700 (!) discount on the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Both Prime Day and October's Prime Big Deal Days event left a lot to be desired in the Fitbit department, so we're pretty surprised to see this deal on the Inspire 3 on Nov. 7 — weeks before Black Friday. We're big fans of the Fitbit Inspire 3's intuitive design impressive app suite, workout insights, and sleek and slim build. "For anyone new to fitness or any dedicated gym rat, the Fitbit Inspire 3 gets you more than you pay for," our reviewer writes, giving it the Mashable Choice award honor. Usually $99.95, it tops our fitness tracker roundup as our favorite budget-friendly option, but as of Nov. 7, you can get it for only $69.95 and save 30%. That matches its record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (40mm, Bluetooth) $152.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $47.00 Get Deal

If you're looking for more than just a fitness tracker, but don't want to break the bank, Samsung's Galaxy Watch FE is a solid budget-friendly smartwatch just released this past summer. We haven't had the honor of testing it out, but our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) have and were big fans, giving it the coveted Editors' Choice award. It may only come in one size and is missing the Galaxy AI holistic health insights, but otherwise it offers almost the same lifestyle and wellness features as the flagship Galaxy wearable. Those include body composition measurements, continuous blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, detailed sleep and snore tracking, and more. Usually only $199.99, you can save 24% on Nov. 7 and pick up the pink or blue Watch FE at Amazon for just $152.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T9 portable SSD (4TB) $299.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

Samsung's just throwing deals at us on Nov. 7. Here's another impressive price drop: the Samsung T9 portable SSD with 4TB is down to just $299.99 from $549.99 at Amazon. While not quite its lowest price ever, it's a savings of 45% and gives you a massive 4TB of storage space in a lightweight little box. Our sister site PCMag awarded it a 4.5-star "outstanding" rating, crediting its blazing throughput speeds, huge capacity, drop-proof design, and useful Samsung Magician software. If you're sick of deleting all of your old content to make space for new stuff, this portable SSD has enough to last you for years, if not forever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00 Get Deal

Another Fitbit model that never got a discount on October Prime Day, the Fitbit Charge 6 is back down to its all-time low price from last Black Friday, just $99.95. That's a savings of 38%. With a seven-day battery life, 40+ exercise modes, heart rate, step, sleep, and stress tracking, it's a solid choice if you're looking to improve your health and habits. Plus, it comes with six months of Fitbit Premium to help you kickstart your fitness routine.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Cam 2-pack (2nd gen, indoor/outdoor) $229.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

One of our top picks for a home security camera, the Google Nest Cam is a slick, waterproof camera you can place inside or outside to catch 24/7 live HD video with 6x digital zoom. It'll act as your eyes and ears when you're away and allow you to share your stream with anyone using a public or password-protected link. You can even add a Nest Aware plan (for an extra fee) and enjoy more perks like intelligent alerts, continuous video recording, clip sharing, emergency alerts, and beyond. A two-pack of these cameras is on sale for just $229.99 at Amazon as of Nov. 7. That's a savings of 30% and just $20 shy of its lowest price to date.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE UP TO $60: Amazon's latest Kindles are seeing some of their first discounts. Find the Kindle Scribe bundled with a cover and power adapter for $479.97, saving $60 for 11% off.

Early Black Friday Kindle deals Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 (Save $60) Get Deal Best basic Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Essentials Bundle $146.97 (Save $15) Get Deal Best Kindle Paperwhite deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle $184.97 (Save $20) Get Deal Best Kindle Colorsoft deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle $349.97 (Save $35) Get Deal

While Black Friday falls at the end of November, retailers aren't waiting to cut prices. Best Buy is running deals all months long, while brands like Apple have a smattering of deals across the internet. Amazon is also joining in on the fun, launching sales on their own devices like Echos and more.

Amazon has a knack for launching new devices around Prime Day, so it was no surprise when they dropped a new batch of Kindles post-October Prime Day. We've tested our way through the latest models, and they're improving upon already great tech for the fastest, brightest Kindles yet.

Because these items are so new, we don't expect to see amazing discounts — and that's exactly the case here. Ahead of Black Friday, there are some deals on Kindles to be had, but they're conservative so far: up to 11% off bundles only.

Here are the best Kindle deals to shop ahead of Black Friday. Check back for better deals as the big shopping day approaches.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 at Amazon
$539.97 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Among the new Kindles is a redesigned Scribe, which comes in classic black or a flashy metallic jade and won't be officially available until Dec. 4. The new Scribe's screen got a makeover with added white borders to give it a more notebook-like feel. If the new model is anything like the current one, I'm excited to see what it offers.

If you're an annotator, the Kindle Scribe is the e-reader for you. The matte screen feels like writing on paper, and includes a notebook section so you can take notes in addition to annotating your e-books. Personally, I like writing with the Kindle Scribe far more than I do with an iPad and Apple Pencil.

This deal gives you a little extra off ahead of the Scribe's December release. The Essentials Bundle comes with the device, premium pen, folio-style case, and power adapter — everything you need to get started. Normally $539.97, you can find the bundle for $479.97, saving you $60 for 11% off.

Not sold on the Scribe (or its price)? There are other bundle deals to explore ahead of Black Friday.

More Kindle deals

• Amazon Kindle Essentials Bundle — $149.97 $161.97 (save $15)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle — $184.97 $204.97 (save $20)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle — $237.97 $257.97 (save $20)

• Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle — $349.97 $384.97 (save $35)

SAVE $80: As of Nov. 7, you can get Apple AirPods Pro 2 for just $169.99. That's 32% off the original price or $80 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

AirPods Pro 2 are your go-to for listening to podcasts or music while walking around town. With exceptional Bluetooth connectivity and an extremely comfortable ergonomic design, they stay connected even during strenuous exercise or busy subway rides and sound great doing it.

SEE ALSO: Walmart just leaked more of the best deals from its first Black Friday sale

With AirPods Pro 2, innovation happens internally. These look similar to past AirPods Pro, but they have new features like Adaptive Transparency, improved active noise cancellation, and a juicier battery.

With a redesigned audio driver and custom amplifier, these earbuds sound even better than the first generation. They sound just as great on nuanced live performances as bassy electronic music.

Right now you can get Apple AirPods Pro 2 for just $169.99 — that’s 32% off or $80 in savings. And just $1 off from their Prime Big Deal Days pricing.

The Adaptive Transparency feature reduces noise while keeping you in contact with the world, inserting sounds from the outside world into the mix. When you only want to hear the music, the improved active noise cancellation eliminates the world, quieting even loud street sounds so effectively that we were in awe.

AirPods Pro are exceptional earbuds for an on-the-go lifestyle. With their case, AirPods Pro will give you upwards of 30 hours of charge.

The video game industry made several surprise announcements this week.

In the midst of the U.S. presidential election, news broke that the Nintendo Switch 2 would be backwards compatible. A few days later, Death Stranding shadow launched on Xbox and the Windows PC game store, with a time-limited sale price of $20. That's a bit shocking because, for the last five years, Death Stranding has been a PlayStation console exclusive.

It did get a Steam release a while back courtesy of 505 Games, but as far as anyone knew, it wouldn't come to Xbox because PlayStation had published the game originally.

Tweet may have been deleted

That's not the case anymore. According to IGN (Disclaimer: IGN and Mashable are under the same parent company, Ziff Davis), Death Stranding developer Kojima Productions has seized control of the Death Stranding IP from Sony. Death Stranding is now theoretically open to a wider range of platforms. However, it’s worth noting that the upcoming sequel is being published by Sony and will launch exclusively on PS5, although it may not remain exclusive indefinitely.

If you never played Death Stranding, the perfect time was in 2020 when everyone was locked up inside, but the second best time is now. It's about a post-apocalyptic deliveryman braving the wastes of a ruined United States to bring people pizza and other basic goods. Death Stranding is equally as likely to provoke thoughts about isolation, emotional availability, and the gig economy as it is to make you laugh because you stumbled down a hillside.

There's nothing else like it, for better or worse.

SAVE UP TO 40%: Fitbit trackers are on sale at Amazon for up to 40% off, including the Fitbit Inspire 3 — a Mashable favorite.

Fitbit deals at Amazon Best overall Fitbit deal Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best budget-friendly Fitbit deal Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Best Buy (save $30) Get Deal Best Fitbit deal for varied workouts Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal

Somehow we're just a handful of weeks away from 2025. If you have fitness goals in mind for either the holidays or for the new year, a fitness tracker is a great companion for keeping tabs on your progress. You don't have to have super ambitious fitness goals to get good use out of a tracker. Even starting a new walking routine calls for a tracker since it's the perfect way to count steps, keep records of your activity, and monitor sleep. Plus, it's really nice to have the time just a quick glance away on your watch, instead of reaching for your phone.

Fitbit has always been one of the leading brands in fitness trackers, and their tech has only improved since Google acquired the brand in 2021. Instead of waiting for Black Friday sales, you can snag a Fitbit tracker at Amazon for up to 40% off today, which mean you'll be well on your way to tracking fitness by the time 2025 rolls around. Here are some of our top recommendations if you're in the market for a new Fitbit.

Best overall Fitbit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Our pick: Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're training for a 5k, a marathon, or going on the occasional hike, the Fitbit Versa 4 has ideal functions. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the Fitbit Versa 4 gets up to 6 days of battery life while tracking your workouts and sleep. Choose from over 40 exercise modes and get your daily readiness score each morning to help determine the best level of activity for the day ahead. The Versa 4 also gives a daily stress management score.

The Waterfall Blue, Pink Sand, and Black models are all included in the sale price at Amazon of just $119.95 which works out to a 40% discount off the normal price of $199.95.

Best budget-friendly Fitbit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Our pick: Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A Mashable favorite, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is down to just $69.95 at Amazon which means you'll be saving a sweet 30% off the typical price of $99.95.

When it comes to the best fitness trackers, Mashable lists the Fitbit Inspire 3 as the best budget-friendly option. Sam Stone's review of the Inspire 3 for Mashable mentions major pros include intuitive functions, workout insights, and its wide range of included apps.

Stone writes, "It sits easily on the wrist, and compared to other wearables it’s relatively small. The watch counts steps, tracks heart rate, and measures calories burned, among other metrics, and, in combination with Fitbit app, converts all that information into data you can use to inform your workouts." All that for under $70 mean is a great deal, and you'll get both a small and large size band with the watch, so you can find a comfortable fit.

Best Fitbit deal for varied workouts Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Our pick: Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're one to go for a run on Monday, take a HIIT class on Tuesday, and head off for a bike ride on Wednesday, the versatile Fitbit Charge 6 could be great. With over 40 exercise modes, the tracker is designed to keep tabs on all your varied activities. It also includes advanced health tools like a heart rate monitor that can detect irregularities and a sleep score.

The Fitbit Charge 6 also has convenient Google integrations like Google Maps and Google Wallet for paying on-the-go.

"Dear Santa" premieres Nov. 25 on Paramount+.

Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East star in this A24-produced horror film, out Nov. 8.

Australia is set to ban social media for kids under 16, in a stated attempt to minimise "harms that are being caused to young people" through the platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the measures on Thursday, after a decision by his government on Monday.

"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," Albanese said in a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. "I've spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online."

"We don't argue that the changes that we will be legislating will fix everything immediately," he added. "We have laws such as people can't buy alcohol if they're under 18, and from time to time that can be broken. But those laws set what the parameters are for our society and they assist in ensuring the right outcomes."

SEE ALSO: Teens feel burnt out. Social media can make it worse.

Albanese said the law will not allow exemptions for users under 16 who have parental consent, nor will it accept "grandfathering arrangements" for young people already on social media.

The government intends to put "the onus will be on social media platforms" instead of parents and teens. Big tech companies are making slow progress in this space — for example, Instagram recently added Teen Accounts, a more restricted way for teens under 16 to use the app.

Most social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat don't let users under 13 make accounts, with varying levels of restriction for users under 16 and 18. However, in August, the U.S. Justice Department sued TikTok for allegedly violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), for allowing kids to create accounts without parental consent and collecting personal information from children under 13. It's one of several lawsuits across the U.S. against TikTok on the grounds of child safety.

Studies around teens, mental health, and social media aren't in short supply. In his address, the prime minister specifically called out campaigns run by Australian media organisations around the legislation, in particular the debated "Let Them Be Kids" campaign run by NewsCorp. Social change initiative 36Months, who have campaigned to ban social media for under-16s in Australia, were also present at Parliament House on Wednesday.

So, what's the timeline on Australia's social media ban?

The Australian government will determine the details of the law in a virtual national cabinet meeting on Friday, the legislation will be introduced to Parliament in two weeks time, and will come into force 12 months after passage. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said "social media companies have been put on notice", and emphasised there is a one-year lead time before the law would be implemented.

The law's new definition of age restriction on social media will be adapted from Australia's current Online Safety Act. Passed in 2021, it's the country's online harms protection law, much like the UK's version. The eSafety Commissioner, Australia's independent regulator for online safety, will "provide oversight and enforcement" by issuing regulatory guidance for social media platforms.

OK, which social media platforms will be covered under Australia's ban?

When asked about specific social media platforms, Rowland clarified, "In terms of the services that will be covered, there will be a definition in the Act. But I think it is commonly understood that those definitions of what constitutes social media include ones such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. YouTube would likely fall within that definition as well."

How will the social media ban be enforced in Australia?

In a nutshell, it's currently unclear exactly how the social media ban will be regulated, as the prime minister said "there will be no penalties for users." When asked about age restrictions and the practicalities around it (how identification will work etc), Rowland said an "age assurance trial" would happen over the next year, with the government examining the platforms' individual measures and whether they're enough.

"There will need to be measures put in place to ensure that reasonable steps are being taken by the platforms to ensure that that age limit is complied with," she said.

"These platforms know their users better than anyone. These platforms understand their habits, their capabilities, what sort of content should be driven to them and what their behaviours are. So in this year that we will take in terms of implementation, that will be the key focus."

For more on internet safety for kids, Mashable's got you covered.