Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What comes to mind when you hear the term “social media”?
- Can you think of any examples or ways people might use it?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- establish /ih-STAB-lish/
- consideration /kuhn-sid-uh-REY-shuhn /
- ban /ban/
- balance /bal-UHNS/
- commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt /
[verb] – to start something that will last for a long time, or to create or set something in a particular way
The company plans to establish a new policy to promote eco-friendly practices in the workplace.
[noun] – the act of thinking about something carefully
Before making a decision, it’s important to take various considerations into account, including the potential impact on the community.
[noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening
The government imposed a ban on smoking in public places to promote a healthier environment for all citizens.
[noun] – a situation where different things are given equal importance or are considered or divided equally or fairly
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and productivity.
[noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something
The athlete’s commitment to daily training and a healthy diet contributed to her success in the competition.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
As the new year approaches, Britain is intensifying efforts to enhance measures safeguarding young teenagers from potential risks associated with social media use. This initiative gains momentum following the recent implementation of the Online Safety Act in October. This set of laws aims not only to strengthen protections for children but also to eliminate illicit content from major online platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Alphabet’s YouTube. The regulations are comprehensive, requiring platforms to enhance controls against illegal content and establish robust age verification measures.
Leading social media channels, including Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, have already implemented a minimum age requirement of 13 for users. However, reports from Bloomberg suggest that the British government is contemplating more stringent measures. Ongoing exploration includes the possibility of a comprehensive crackdown on social media access for individuals under 16, with potential considerations for outright bans within this age group. In response to these considerations, Science Minister Andrew Griffith affirms the government’s dedication to striking a delicate balance. The goal is not only to preserve essential freedoms but also to empower parents with greater control over their children’s online experiences. This nuanced approach reflects a commitment to creating a digital environment that is not only free but also safe for young individuals, acknowledging the evolving landscape of online interactions and the imperative to protect the well-being of adolescents.
Leading social media channels, including Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, have already implemented a minimum age requirement of 13 for users. However, reports from Bloomberg suggest that the British government is contemplating more stringent measures. Ongoing exploration includes the possibility of a comprehensive crackdown on social media access for individuals under 16, with potential considerations for outright bans within this age group. In response to these considerations, Science Minister Andrew Griffith affirms the government’s dedication to striking a delicate balance. The goal is not only to preserve essential freedoms but also to empower parents with greater control over their children’s online experiences. This nuanced approach reflects a commitment to creating a digital environment that is not only free but also safe for young individuals, acknowledging the evolving landscape of online interactions and the imperative to protect the well-being of adolescents.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is Britain doing as the new year approaches to protect young teenagers from potential risks?
- When did Britain implement the Online Safety Act, and what is its purpose?
- Which major online platforms are mentioned in the article, and what is the aim of the regulations concerning these platforms?
- What is the minimum age requirement for users on leading social media channels such as Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat?
- Why is Science Minister Andrew Griffith dedicated to striking a delicate balance, according to the article?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you or someone you know ever faced challenges or concerns related to social media use, especially for teenagers? If yes, can you share your experience dealing with these challenges? If not, do you think such issues are common, and how do you imagine people might address them?
- Have you or someone you know ever felt the need for stricter regulations or age restrictions on social media platforms? If yes, can you provide examples or reasons for this view? If not, do you believe current measures are sufficient, and why?
- Do you think the Online Safety Act and similar regulations are necessary for protecting young teenagers on social media platforms?
- What potential positive and negative impacts might the proposed crackdown on social media access for individuals under 16 have on young users? Consider both short-term and long-term consequences.
- In your opinion, should governments be actively involved in regulating and overseeing online content and social media use, or should this responsibility primarily fall on individuals and platform providers? What factors contribute to your perspective on the matter?