Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- distraction /dih-STRAK-shuhn/
- akin /uh-KIN/
- accommodate /uh-KOM-uh-deyt/
- legislation /lej-is-LEY-shuhn/
- adolescent /ad-l-ES-uhnt/
[noun] – something that prevents someone from giving their attention to something else
The constant notifications from his smartphone were a major distraction during his study session.
[adjective] – similar or related
The new regulations are akin to those implemented last year, focusing on environmental sustainability.
[verb] – to provide with something desired, needed, or suited; to make suitable or fit; to adapt or adjust
The hotel strives to accommodate guests with special dietary needs and preferences.
[noun] – laws or regulations created and enacted by a governing body
The new legislation aims to improve environmental protection laws nationwide.
[noun] – a young person who is developing into an adult
Adolescents often experience significant emotional and physical changes during puberty.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted on Tuesday to ban smartphones for its 429,000 students, aiming to shield them from distractions and the negative effects of social media on learning and mental health. The board, representing the second-largest U.S. school district, approved the resolution 5-2, requiring a policy within 120 days to prohibit cellphone and social media use starting January 2025. Board member Nick Melvoin believes this decision will positively impact students, the city, and the nation.
Following U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s urging for social media platforms to adopt warning labels akin to those on cigarette packages due to what he identifies as a mental health crisis, Los Angeles school officials are considering whether to store phones in pouches or lockers during school hours. They are also exploring ways to restrict access to social media and accommodate students of varying ages and abilities, including those with learning or physical disabilities. However, board members George McKenna and Scott Schmerelson have expressed concerns about the policy’s perceived strictness and the difficulties of enforcing it. Los Angeles now joins several smaller school districts nationwide in restricting phone and social media access. Last year, Florida enacted legislation mandating that school districts prevent student access to social media, following similar efforts in other states. Despite ongoing research gaps concerning mental health risks, Murthy underscored the urgent need for action, citing studies indicating heightened risks of mental illness among adolescents spending excessive time on social media. The school district additionally highlighted evidence linking cellphone dependency to rising anxiety rates and cyberbullying incidents.
Following U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s urging for social media platforms to adopt warning labels akin to those on cigarette packages due to what he identifies as a mental health crisis, Los Angeles school officials are considering whether to store phones in pouches or lockers during school hours. They are also exploring ways to restrict access to social media and accommodate students of varying ages and abilities, including those with learning or physical disabilities. However, board members George McKenna and Scott Schmerelson have expressed concerns about the policy’s perceived strictness and the difficulties of enforcing it. Los Angeles now joins several smaller school districts nationwide in restricting phone and social media access. Last year, Florida enacted legislation mandating that school districts prevent student access to social media, following similar efforts in other states. Despite ongoing research gaps concerning mental health risks, Murthy underscored the urgent need for action, citing studies indicating heightened risks of mental illness among adolescents spending excessive time on social media. The school district additionally highlighted evidence linking cellphone dependency to rising anxiety rates and cyberbullying incidents.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever found smartphones or social media distracting during your study or work time? If so, how did it affect your ability to concentrate, and how did you work to manage these distractions? If not, how do you generally manage distractions while studying or working?
- Do you think storing phones in pouches or lockers during school hours would help students focus more on learning? If so, how? If not, what alternative solutions do you think might be effective?
- Do you agree with the decision of the Los Angeles school board to ban smartphones for students?
- Considering the concerns expressed by board members about enforcing the smartphone ban, what strategies could schools implement to ensure the policy is effective and fair for all students?
- How might the link between excessive social media use and mental health risks influence policies and practices in schools across the country? What responsibilities do schools have in addressing these issues?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- restrict
- mental health
- anxiety
- warning label
- social media platform