Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do you feel about children using social media at a young age?
- What are some good things children can get from using social media?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- platform /PLAT-fawrm/
[noun] – a type of system or technology that allows people to communicate, share, or access information (e.g., websites, apps, or services)
Online shopping platforms have become essential for small businesses. - justice /JUHS-tis/
[noun] – judge of a high court, especially the Supreme Court
The justices debated the case for hours before making a ruling. - reject /ri-JEKT/
[verb] – to refuse to accept, agree with, or allow something
The board rejected the company’s proposal for a new shopping mall. - trial /TRAHY-uhl/
[noun] – a formal process in court where a judge or jury decides if someone is guilty or not, or whether a law or claim is valid
The criminal trial lasted for more than three months. - freedom /FREE-duhm/
[noun] – the state of being able to act, speak, or think without being controlled or restricted
Citizens protested to defend their freedom of speech.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On August 14, 2025, the Supreme Court allowed Mississippi to enforce a law that regulates the use of social media by children. The decision drew national attention, as many states are considering similar rules. The case began when NetChoice, a trade group representing Facebook, X, YouTube, and other platforms, appealed against the law. The group asked the court to block the measure while the lawsuit continued, but the justices rejected the request. Justice Brett Kavanaugh explained that the law might later be declared unconstitutional but said this possibility was not a strong reason to stop it during the trial. The law was first passed in 2024, suspended by a federal judge, but later restored by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2025. Supporters said the measure was needed to slow children’s growing use of social media, which researchers link to depression and anxiety.
The Mississippi Attorney General said the law could help protect children from sexual abuse, trafficking, and other online threats. State officials welcomed the ruling, noting it would allow closer study of the issue. NetChoice, which also includes companies such as Google, Meta, and Snap Inc., has filed lawsuits in several other states. Analysts said the case shows the conflict between protecting children online and defending freedom of expression.
The Mississippi Attorney General said the law could help protect children from sexual abuse, trafficking, and other online threats. State officials welcomed the ruling, noting it would allow closer study of the issue. NetChoice, which also includes companies such as Google, Meta, and Snap Inc., has filed lawsuits in several other states. Analysts said the case shows the conflict between protecting children online and defending freedom of expression.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What does the Mississippi law regulate?
- Which group appealed against the law?
- Which companies are represented by NetChoice?
- What did NetChoice ask the court to do?
- What conflict did analysts say the case shows?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever used social media when you were younger? If yes, what did you usually do there? If not, what did you do instead of using social media?
- Have you ever thought about rules that make the internet safer for children? If yes, what kind of rule would you suggest? If not, do you think rules are needed to keep children safe online?
- Do you agree that social media can be dangerous for young people?
- Should the government or parents decide how children use social media? Why?
- How can schools teach students about both the good and bad sides of social media?