World
UK to Introduce Social Media Ban for Under-16s
17 Jun 2026
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NEW
Warm-up → Read & Listen → Check Understanding → Language → Use It
WARM UP
Think Ahead:
Which detail do you think appears in this story?
a) Children will need a passport to play video games.
b) The UK government wants to ban social media for children under 16.
c) Computers will be turned off across the country.
Ask:
(1) Do you use social media apps like TikTok or Instagram?
(2) How much time do you spend online every day?
VOCABULARY
ban (v)
safety (n)
stranger (n)
future (n)
rule (n)
safe (adj)
to say that something is not allowed
being safe from danger or harm
a person you do not know
the time that will come after now
something that says what you can or cannot do
not in danger
The United Kingdom has a big new plan for young people. The government wants to ban social media for children under 16 years old. This means children cannot use apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, says that social media makes many children unhappy. He wants to help parents protect their children online. The new rules will focus on internet safety.
Under the new plan, popular gaming sites will also change. Children under 16 will not be allowed to do livestreaming or talk to a stranger on these gaming sites. The UK government hopes this rule will help children spend more time playing outside and talking to friends in real life. They want to make a safe future for the next generation. The law will start next year. Many parents agree with this plan because they worry about smartphones.
Listen
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think social media is good or bad for children?
2. Which apps do you use the most every week?
3. Do you prefer playing video games or playing outside?
4. Is it a good idea to talk to a stranger online?
5. How do your parents help you stay safe on the internet?
6. Should children under 16 be allowed to use TikTok?
FILL IN THE GAPS
FILL THE GAPS
Section 1: Fill in the Gaps
Word Bank: ban safety stranger future
The United Kingdom has a big new plan for young people. The government wants to _______(1) social media for children under 16 years old. This means children cannot use apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, says that social media makes many children unhappy. He wants to help parents protect their children online. The new rules will focus on internet _______(2). Under the new plan, popular gaming sites will also change. Children under 16 will not be allowed to do livestreaming or talk to a _______(3) on these gaming sites. The UK government hopes this rule will help children spend more time playing outside and talking to friends in real life. They want to make a safe _______(4) for the next generation. The law will start next year. Many parents agree with this plan because they worry about smartphones. Section 2: Main Idea What is the main idea of this article? a) Video games are becoming more expensive in the UK. b) The UK government plans to ban social media for children under 16 to keep them safe. c) Children in the UK are moving to Australia next year.
UNDERSTANDING
Section 3: True or False
1. The UK government wants to stop children under 16 from using social media. T/F
2. Keir Starmer believes social media always makes children happy. T/F
3. Under the new rules, children can still talk to any stranger on gaming sites. T/F
Section 4: Put Events in Order
Put these events in the correct order from 1 to 3:
a) The new law will start next year to protect children.
b) Many children use apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram every day.
c) The Prime Minister announces a new plan to ban social media for under-16s.
LANGUAGE
Section 5: Vocab Match
1. ban
2. safety
3. stranger
4. rule
a) a person you do not know
b) something that says what you can or cannot do
c) to say that something is not allowed
d) being safe from danger or harm
USE IT
Section 6: Discussion Builder
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
1. The new internet rule will help keep children _______ online.
a) safe b) unhappy c) stranger
2. Parents want to protect the _______ of their family.
a) ban b) future c) rule
Section 7: Sentence Unscramble
Unscramble the words to make a sentence:
1. A) social B) ban C) wants to D) media E) the government
2. A) stay safe B) online C) children D) should E) always
ANSWER KEY
Warm Up
Answer: b
Section 1: Fill in the Gaps
1. ban 2. safety 3. stranger 4. future
Section 2:
Main Idea b
Section 3: True or False
1. True 2. False 3. False
Section 4: Put Events in Order
1. b 2. c 3. a
Section 5: Vocab Match
1. c 2. d 3. a 4. b
Section 6: Discussion Builder
1. a 2. b
Section 7: Sentence Unscramble
1. E, C, B, A, D (The government wants to ban social media)
2. C, D, E, A, B (Children should always stay safe online)
Section 8: Discussion Questions
Student answers will vary.