Particle Data Platform
Learning English from the News

Is social media 'the new smoking'?

5/27/202610 min

A group of senior doctors in the UK compare the harms of social media to smoking, not because it has the same physical health impacts, but because they believe it’s an important health issue that people need to take seriously.

Learn about this story and learn some vocabulary from the headlines with Pippa and Georgie.

Get a free worksheet for this episode to practise what you've learnt: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news\_2026/260527.

We have lots of programmes ton the topic of technology to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/topics/technology

Clips

Doctors: Social media like smoking
Historical health parallels drawn
Meaning of "behind the curve"
"Nothing's off the table" explained

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds

  1. Speaker 10:00

    This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

  2. Speaker 20:03

    [upbeat music] Out on the road, it's nice to have a partner who can help you make the most of your journey, a partner like the Love's Rewards app. With Love's Rewards along for the ride, you earn points on food, fuel, drinks, and more every time you scan. Then you can spend those points at Love's, just like cash, so every stop is even more rewarding. Download the app today, and watch the points roll in mile after mile. Love's Rewards, save and earn at every turn. Terms apply. See website for details.

  3. Speaker 30:35

    [upbeat music] I drive my bus in a busy city. That's why road safety is so important to me. I know that I must slow down and be extra careful when I make a wide turn. Buses need more room than cars. Everyone can help keep our roads safe. Next time you're driving, remember to give buses plenty of time and space to finish turning before driving ahead. Let's all plan to share the road safely. Learn how at www.sharetheroadsafely.gov.

  4. Georgie· Host1:04

    [gentle music] From BBC Learning English, this is Learning English from the News, our podcast about the news headlines.

  5. Pippa· Host1:14

    In this program, is social media the new smoking?

  6. Georgie· Host1:19

    [pensive music] Hello, I'm Georgie.

  7. Pippa· Host1:24

    And I'm Pippa.

  8. Georgie· Host1:25

    In this program, we look at one big news story and the vocabulary in

We value your privacy

We use cookies to understand how you use our platform and to improve your experience. Click "Accept All" to consent, or "Decline non-essential" to opt out of non-essential cookies. Read our Privacy Policy.