Australia plans kids’ social media ban: BBC Learning English from the News

Summary

In this BBC Learning English podcast, hosts Phil and Georgie discuss Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's proposal to ban children under 14 from social media. They explore the debate surrounding the enforceability and potential drawbacks of such a ban, including concerns that it might hinder access to mental health support and important information. The episode also examines the expressions 'enough is enough' and 'dummy spit,' providing context and examples of their usage in relation to the news story.

Takeaways

• 🇦🇺 The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced plans to ban young people from social media sites, specifically targeting children under 14.
• 🚫 Critics have raised concerns about the enforceability of such a ban and its potential to restrict access to important information for young people.
• 🌐 The proposed ban is controversial, with some experts in youth mental health arguing it could cut off children from mental health support and limit their ability to express concerns.
• 🏥 The South Coast Register headline highlights that a social media ban might pose a barrier to mental health support for young people.
• 🚧 The use of the verb 'pose' in the context of the ban suggests that it could cause or create a barrier, which is a formal way of expressing causation.
• 🚫 Another criticism mentioned is that the ban might lead children to more risky websites, implying that simply banning social media is not a comprehensive solution.
• 🗞️ The Guardian's headline criticizes the government's approach, suggesting that creating an internet specifically for children is a better solution than a ban.
• 👶 The expression 'dummy spit' is explained as a noun phrase derived from an idiom indicating an angry, possibly childish reaction to a situation.
• 📈 The script uses real news headlines to teach English vocabulary in context, demonstrating the application of words like 'enough is enough' and 'pose a barrier'.
• 🎓 The podcast format of 'Learning English from the News' is designed to help learners understand news headlines and improve their vocabulary through current events.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the BBC Learning English podcast episode?

The main topic discussed is the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's announcement of plans to ban young people, specifically children under 14, from social media sites.

What is the proposed age limit for the social media ban in Australia as mentioned in the podcast?

The proposed age limit for the social media ban in Australia is for children under the age of 14.

What is the expression 'enough is enough' used to convey in the context of the podcast?

The expression 'enough is enough' is used to convey that a problem has persisted for too long or become so serious that decisive action is needed to stop it.

How might the proposed ban affect children's access to mental health support, as discussed in the podcast?

The proposed ban might pose a barrier to mental health support by potentially cutting off children from sources of support and limiting their opportunities to voice concerns about different issues.

What does the term 'pose a barrier' mean in the context of the South Coast Register headline?

In the context of the South Coast Register headline, 'pose a barrier' means to cause an obstacle or hindrance, in this case, to accessing mental health support.

What is the idiomatic expression 'dummy spit' and how is it used in the podcast?

The idiomatic expression 'dummy spit' refers to an angry reaction, often suggesting that the reaction is childish. In the podcast, it is used to describe a critical view of the Australian government's planned social media ban as an ineffective solution.

What is the alternative to the social media ban suggested in the Guardian headline mentioned in the podcast?

The alternative suggested in the Guardian headline is the need for an internet specifically designed for children, implying a more tailored and safe online environment.

What is the potential criticism of the social media ban mentioned in the podcast?

A potential criticism of the social media ban is that it might lead children to access different, possibly riskier websites, instead of the mainstream social media sites.

How does the podcast suggest the expression 'spit out your dummy' is typically used?

The podcast suggests that the expression 'spit out your dummy' is typically used to describe a reaction that is childish or dramatic, and it is often used critically to imply that someone is complaining unfairly or overreacting.

What other expression has a similar meaning to 'spit out your dummy' as mentioned in the podcast?

The podcast mentions that the expression 'throw your toys out of the pram' has a similar meaning to 'spit out your dummy', both implying a childish or dramatic reaction.

Where can listeners find more information about the vocabulary and headlines discussed in the podcast?

Listeners can find more information about the vocabulary and headlines discussed in the podcast on the BBC Learning English website: BBCLearningEnglish.com.

Outlines

00:00

🚫 Australia's Proposed Social Media Ban for Children

This segment of the BBC Learning English podcast discusses the Australian Prime Minister's announcement of a potential ban on social media for children under 14. The hosts, Phil and Georgie, explore the implications of such a ban, including the difficulty of enforcement and concerns that it might hinder young people's access to vital information. They analyze the use of the phrase 'enough is enough' in the context of taking action against a persistent problem. The conversation also touches on the potential negative effects of the ban, such as cutting off children from mental health support and their ability to express their views on various issues. The hosts provide examples of how the phrase 'enough is enough' can be used in everyday language and discuss the formal use of the verb 'pose' to indicate causing an issue or barrier.

05:05

🤬 Understanding 'Dummy Spit' and Its Implications

In the second paragraph, the podcast continues to delve into the proposed social media ban in Australia, focusing on the criticism that such a measure might not address the core issues of children's online safety. The hosts introduce the Australian idiom 'dummy spit,' which describes an angry, potentially childish reaction to a situation. They explain that this expression is used critically to describe an overreaction or an unfair complaint. The conversation suggests that merely banning social media might not be the solution and that a more comprehensive approach, such as creating an internet environment specifically for children, might be more effective. The segment ends with a reminder to listeners about the availability of other BBC Learning English podcasts and the brand's presence on social media.

Keywords

💡Ban

A ban is a formal or authoritative prohibition of something. In the context of the video, the Australian Prime Minister's proposed ban on social media for children under 14 is a central theme. The script discusses the potential implications and criticisms of such a ban, highlighting the government's attempt to address concerns about children's online safety and mental health.

💡Social Media

Social media refers to websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or participate in social networking. The video's narrative revolves around the debate on whether young people should be restricted from using social media platforms due to potential negative impacts on their well-being.

💡Critics

Critics are individuals who express disapproval or find fault with something. In the script, critics question the enforceability of the proposed ban and argue that it might hinder children's access to vital information and mental health support, thus playing a significant role in shaping the discourse around the proposed policy.

💡Mental Health Support

Mental health support refers to resources and services designed to help individuals cope with mental health issues. The video discusses concerns that a social media ban could pose a barrier to children accessing such support, emphasizing the importance of considering the full range of impacts when implementing such policies.

💡Controversial

Controversial describes a topic or issue that is subject to much debate and disagreement. The proposed social media ban is described as controversial in the script, indicating that it has sparked differing opinions and is a matter of significant public debate.

💡Dummy Spit

The term 'dummy spit' is an idiomatic expression used in the script to describe an angry or childish reaction to a situation. It is used metaphorically in the headline from The Guardian to suggest that the Australian government's proposed ban is an overreaction that is unlikely to address the underlying issues effectively.

💡Pose a Barrier

To 'pose a barrier' means to create an obstacle or hindrance. In the context of the video, the phrase is used to express concerns that the social media ban could inadvertently block children from accessing mental health support, thus highlighting the potential unintended consequences of the policy.

💡Youth Mental Health

Youth mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of young people. The video script discusses how the proposed ban might impact this aspect of children's lives, as some experts argue that social media can be a source of support and a platform for voicing concerns.

💡Enforce

To enforce means to make sure that a rule or law is obeyed. The script raises questions about the feasibility of enforcing a ban on social media for children, indicating that the practical implementation of such a policy is a significant consideration.

💡Enough is Enough

The phrase 'enough is enough' is used in the script to convey a sense of frustration and the decision to take action because a situation has become intolerable. It is used in a headline to reflect the Australian Prime Minister's stance on the need for intervention regarding children's use of social media.

💡Risky

Risky implies involving the possibility of danger or harm. The video script suggests that critics are concerned that the ban might lead children to seek out more risky online environments, thus potentially exacerbating the problems the ban is intended to address.

Highlights

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces plans to ban young people from social media sites.

The ban is likely to apply to children under 14.

Critics question whether the ban can be enforced.

Concerns that the ban may block young people from information about important issues.

Expression 'enough is enough' used to indicate a problem that has become serious and needs to stop.

Criticism that the ban could leave children cut off from mental health support.

Headline from South Coast Register: 'Social media ban poses barrier to mental health support'.

Explanation of the verb 'pose' meaning 'cause' in the context of the headline.

Criticism that the ban might lead children to access riskier websites.

Headline from The Guardian: 'Australia's dummy spit over kids on social media isn't the answer. We need an internet for children.'

Explanation of the expression 'dummy spit' indicating a childish or dramatic reaction.

Suggestion that just banning social media is unlikely to solve children's online problems.

Recommendation for an internet designed specifically for children.

Invitation to search for the podcast 'Learning English Conversations' for more idioms.

Reminder that BBC Learning English is also available on social media.

Transcripts

From BBC Learning English,

this is Learning English from the News - our podcast about the news headlines.

In this programme: Banning teenagers from social media -

could this happen in Australia?

Hello, I'm Phil. And I'm Georgie.

In this programme we look at one big news story

and the vocabulary in the headlines that will help you understand it.

You can find all the vocabulary and headlines from this episode,

as well as a worksheet on our website: BBCLearningEnglish.com

So let's hear more about this story.

Okay, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans

to ban young people from social media sites.

The ban is likely to apply to children under 14,

but critics have questioned whether it can actually be enforced.

Also, some people are worried that this approach may block young people

from information about important issues.

And I have a headline here that talks about this announcement.

It's from GB News. Australia set to ban social media for children under 14:

'Enough is enough'

That headline again.

Australia set to ban social media for children under 14:

'Enough is enough'

And that's from GB News.

This headline is talking about

Australian Prime Minister Albanese's announcement.

And we have this expression 'enough is enough'.

Now, we all know what enough means, but when do we use it like this?

We usually use it when a problem has carried on for too long,

or become so serious that we just want it to stop.

Yes, and often it's used

when you're about to do something about the problem, isn't it?

Yes. So, um, well, it's related to this story, actually.

But, um, in my home, we got fed up with our children being

on their phones all weekend, so we just said "enough is enough",

and now we only let them have their phones for an hour

a day. Wow, Phil.

That's a bit harsh!

It's for their own good.

We've had enough is enough -

what we say when we want a problem to stop.

So, for example, the price of petrol has gone up so much

I just said enough is enough and bought a bicycle.

This is Learning English from The News, our podcast about the news headlines.

Today we're talking about a proposed ban on young people using social media

in Australia.

Now, this measure is controversial

and has been criticised by some experts in youth mental health.

Yes, they've pointed out that banning children from social media

could leave them cut off from sources of mental health support

and limit their opportunity to voice their concerns about different issues.

And our next headline is about this.

It's from the South Coast Register in Australia.

Social media ban poses barrier to mental health support.

Okay, let's hear that again.

That's social media ban poses barrier to mental health support.

And that's from the South Coast Register.

Okay, so this headline is saying that a ban on social media

for young people could stop them accessing mental health support.

And we're looking at the verb 'pose'.

Now pose makes me think of posing for a photo,

but what sense is it being used in here?

Okay, pose has different meanings,

but used like it is in this headline - pose a barrier -

it can mean 'cause'. That's right,

so something can pose a threat, pose a problem and, in this case, pose a barrier.

Also, if something poses a question, it raises an issue

and makes us think about it.

Yes, now it is quite formal,

so you're probably more likely to see it written down.

You might see a report saying 'high interest rates pose a barrier

to home ownership.'

So we had pose and it means cause.

For example, high fees pose a barrier to university access.

This is Learning English from the News from BBC Learning English.

We're talking about a proposed ban on social media

for young people in Australia.

Another criticism of the Australian government's planned social media ban

is that it might just lead children to access different kinds of websites

that could be even more risky than big social media sites.

And here's our next headline.

This is from The Guardian in the UK.

Australia's dummy spit over kids on social media isn't the answer.

We need an internet for children.

Okay. And again,

Australia's dummy spit over kids on social media isn't the answer.

We need an internet for children.

And that's from the Guardian.

So the writer of this headline is saying that just banning social media

is unlikely to solve the problems that children have online.

And the expression we're looking at is 'dummy spit'.

Can you tell us a bit more, Phil?

Okay, well, this is a noun phrase that's been taken from an idiom

to spit out your dummy.

Now a dummy -

that's what you give a baby.

It's the thing that you put in their mouth

that they can suck on to calm down.

Yes, the idiom to spit out your dummy is not literal,

but it refers to an angry reaction to something.

It might also be suggesting that the reaction is a bit childish.

And we actually have another expression with a similar meaning throw your toys

out of the pram, which again means you react in a childish or dramatic way.

Yes, you wouldn't usually say someone spat out their dummy

if you agree with their reaction, it's quite critical.

Yeah, and perhaps if you thought someone was complaining unfairly

about something at work,

then you could maybe say "Oh, they're just spitting out their dummy." Exactly.

So we had spit out your dummy - to react in a childish way.

For example, don't spit your dummy out -

I just asked you to tidy up!

That's it for this episode of Learning English from the News.

We'll be back next week with another news story.

Now, if you've enjoyed this programme

and you really want to learn some new idioms,

search for our podcast Learning English Conversations

in your favourite podcast app.

And don't forget we're on social media. Search for BBC Learning English.

Bye for now. Goodbye.