Can Governments Control Teen Social Media Use?

WARM-UP

Answer briefly. No long explanations.

1. Do you use social media every day?
2. At what age did you start using social media?
3. Do you think social media can be harmful?

VOCABULARY

CORE VOCABULARY

cyberbullying – online harassment or abuse
Example: Cyberbullying can seriously affect mental health.

addiction – inability to stop a behavior
Example: Social media addiction is common among teenagers.

harmful – causing damage or negative effects
Example: Excessive screen time can be harmful.

opposition – people who disagree with a policy
Example: The opposition criticized the new law.

critical – expressing negative judgment
Example: Experts were critical of the ban.

fall flat – fail to have the intended effect
Example: The policy may fall flat if easily avoided.

EXTENDED VOCABULARY

age verification – confirming a user’s age
Example: Age verification systems are often bypassed.

workaround – a way to avoid restrictions
Example: Teens quickly found workarounds.

regulation – official control by law
Example: Governments struggle with online regulation.

digital dependence – reliance on digital platforms
Example: Digital dependence has increased sharply.

enforcement – making sure laws are followed
Example: Weak enforcement reduces effectiveness.

READING

INTRODUCTION

This article examines whether government regulation can realistically limit teenagers’ social media use and reduce harmful online behavior.

ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)

Australia introduced a law banning children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms. The aim was to protect young users from cyberbullying, addiction, and harmful content.

While millions of accounts were removed, many teenagers quickly found workarounds, raising doubts about enforcement and long-term impact.

DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)

Although the government described early results as encouraging, the opposition remained critical, arguing that weak age verification allows easy avoidance.

Experts suggest the ban may fall flat, reducing transparency while increasing digital dependence through less regulated platforms.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

A1–A2

1. What age group is banned from social media?
2. Why was the ban introduced?
3. Are teens still using social media?

B1–B2

1. How are teens avoiding the ban?
2. What concerns does the opposition have?
3. What risks does weak enforcement create?

C1–C2

1. Why might regulation fail without strong enforcement?
2. How could bans unintentionally increase harm?
3. What alternatives to bans could be more effective?

SPEAKING

A1–A2 — FOUNDATION

Language Support:
“I think ___.”
“I don’t agree because ___.”
“It is good/bad because ___.”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. Do you think social media is harmful?
2. Should children use social media?
3. Is banning social media a good idea?
4. Do teens follow online rules?
5. Would you follow this ban?
6. Do parents control phone use?
7. Is social media addictive?
8. Do you feel bored without social media?
9. Is online friendship important?
10. Should schools limit phone use?
11. Do you trust social media companies?
12. Are laws effective online?
13. Should age checks be stricter?
14. Do you use social media to relax?
15. Would you support this ban?

B1–B2 — EXPANSION

Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“One problem is…”
“On the other hand…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. Why do teens resist social media restrictions?
2. Can governments control online behavior?
3. Are bans better than education?
4. How does social media affect friendships?
5. Should parents or governments decide limits?
6. Are workarounds inevitable?
7. Does banning increase curiosity?
8. How can addiction be reduced?
9. Should platforms share responsibility?
10. Are smaller apps more dangerous?
11. Should identity checks be mandatory?
12. Can regulation protect mental health?
13. Does social media pressure teens?
14. Are bans realistic long-term solutions?
15. What policy would you suggest instead?

C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION

Language Support:
“This raises ethical concerns about…”
“A long-term consequence may be…”
“From a societal perspective…”

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

1. Do social media bans address causes or symptoms?
2. How does regulation conflict with personal freedom?
3. Could bans increase digital inequality?
4. Should platforms be legally liable for harm?
5. Is addiction a personal or societal issue?
6. Can education replace regulation?
7. How should success of bans be measured?
8. Do bans undermine trust between teens and adults?
9. Is online identity verification ethical?
10. Could bans push teens toward riskier platforms?
11. How does social media shape identity formation?
12. Are governments reacting too late?
13. Should digital literacy be compulsory?
14. How can policymakers balance safety and freedom?
15. Will social media ever be effectively controlled?