Pre-reading questions:
- Do you limit your social media access? Why or why not?
- What can you do to help support teens in using social media in a safe and responsible manner?
Vocabulary:
- state /steyt/
- ensure /en-SHOOR/
- harm /hahrm /
- approval /uh-PROO-vuhl/
- data /DEY-tuh/
[noun] – a part of a large country with its own government, such as in Germany, Australia, or the U.S
In the United States, each state has its own capital city and flag.
[verb] – to make something certain to happen
To ensure that you get a good grade on the exam, it’s important to study regularly and review your notes.
[verb] – to hurt someone or damage something
It’s important to wear protective gear while playing sports to prevent harm to your body.
[noun] – official permission
Before you start working on your project, you need to get your supervisor’s approval to make sure you’re on the right track.
[noun] – information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an electronic form that can be stored and used by a computer
The data shows that the number of people using public transportation has increased significantly over the past year.
Article reading:
In Utah, starting on March 1, 2024, two new laws will allow parents to check what their kids are doing online, including their social media posts and private messages. Children will not be allowed to use social media between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. unless their parents say it’s okay. Also, social media companies will not be able to collect data or show ads to children. Governor Spencer Cox believes that these laws will protect children’s mental health, but some people worry that they could limit free speech and put children in danger. Facebook’s parent company says it has tools to keep children safe on its platform, but TikTok’s CEO is facing Congress, and many US politicians are calling for tech companies to stop collecting data from children. California has already passed a similar law, and five other states are considering doing the same.
Comprehension questions
- Why is Utah requiring social media companies to get parents’ permission before children can use their apps?
- What will parents be able to check starting March 1, 2024?
- What is the time frame for children to use social media?
- Will social media companies be able to collect data or show ads to children according to the new laws in Utah?
- How many other states are considering passing a similar law to Utah’s?
Discussion questions
- Do you use TikTok? Why or why not?
- Are other cities in your country considering laws similar to California’s to protect children’s data online?
- Do you agree that social media has a negative impact on children’s mental health?
- What are your thoughts on the new laws in Utah that restrict children’s access to social media?
- What do you think are the potential negative consequences of restricting children’s access to social media, and how can these be addressed?