Anti-Social

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: Does social media do more harm than good for teens?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence: 

• Why did Australia outlaw the use of social media by anyone under 16? What evidence does the article provide to explain why the ban might be necessary? (Australia’s ban addresses concerns about the effects of social media on teens’ mental health. The article notes warnings that tie a mental health crisis to online use and cites surveys showing that more teens are online constantly. Many teens report that social media makes them feel worse about their lives.)

• What arguments have critics made against the ban? (Critics claim that the ban is not enforceable because age-assurance technology is not foolproof and could violate online privacy. Meta also implied that social media does not actually harm teen health.)

• In the final section, parent Dany Elachi says the ban would “change the norms around social media usage.” What does he mean? Do you think his argument is persuasive? Explain. (He thinks that because social media usage is seen as normal, it’s hard for parents to say no to their kids because they worry about them feeling left out. The ban will make it easier for parents who don’t want their children to use social media. Students’ opinions on his argument may vary but should be supported by reason.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Between the Lines. Have students answer the questions by making inferences from the article. 

4. Writing Prompt
Will Australia’s social media ban work? Explain in a brief opinion essay.  Support your opinion with evidence from the text and outside research.

5. Classroom Debate
Should the U.S. ban social media for users under the age of 16?

6. Quiz & Skills
Use the quiz to assess comprehension and the Analyze the Cartoon and Be the Editor skill sheets to practice visual analysis and review grammar skills.