ESL WORKSHEET - Social media, ethics and conduct

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

BRITAIN MOVES TO BLOCK CHILDREN

UNDER 16 FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

LinguaHouse

Jun. 18, 2026

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)
Type of language: Legal English
Tags: Behavior, Feelings and Emotions; Ethics and Conduct; The Media; Controversial Issues; Society and Change; Agreeing and Disagreeing; Developing an Argument; Health and Well-being; Memory, Brain and Mind; Gadgets and Inventions; Challenges; Socializing; Politics; Breaking News; Law; Speaking; Vocabulary Lesson; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 06/18/2026

In this lesson, students discuss the UK government’s plan to ban children under 16 from certain social media platforms from spring 2027. The lesson focuses on online safety, childhood, family rules, age checks, gaming, messaging, and the possible benefits and problems of a ban. Students begin with a speaking warm-up about online habits, then learn key vocabulary. They listen to a short news report, complete comprehension tasks, read three opinions from different people, and take part in several speaking activities. The lesson gives students many chances to express balanced opinions. (by Ralph J. Wood)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Newsreader: The UK government says it plans to ban children under 16 from using certain social media platforms from spring 2027. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the aim is to give children more time, safety and freedom to grow up. The government says the rules are intended to reduce online harm and improve young people’s wellbeing.
The ban is expected to apply to major social media platforms where users can post content, interact with other users and receive algorithm-based feeds. Reports say platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook and X may be included. However, the government says it does not intend to include messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal.
Children should still be able to use the Internet for learning, news, games and staying in touch with people they know. The plan will also look at harmful features on other online services, including gaming platforms. For example, the government wants to restrict livestreaming and communication with strangers for children under 16.
There may also be more rules for 16- and 17-year-olds, such as limits on some risky features. Supporters of the ban say children need better protection from harmful content, addictive design, online pressure and contact from strangers. They argue that families often find it difficult to set rules alone because social media is everywhere. A national rule could change expectations and make it easier for parents to say no.
Critics, however, say the ban may be difficult to enforce. Young people may find ways around age checks, or move to less safe online spaces. Some experts also say that a ban does not solve every problem. They argue that children still need digital education, safer platform design and good conversations with adults.
The government says stronger age checks will be needed, and the regulator Ofcom will help decide how age verification should work. The final details are expected before the changes begin. For now, the debate is about a big question: should society protect children by keeping them away from social media, or by teaching them how to use it safely?

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/legal-english/britain-moves-to-block-under-16s-from-social-media. Accessed on June 22, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.