Is social media 'the new smoking'?: BBC Learning English from the News
BBC Learning English • 2026-05-27T13:06:10Z • 9:21:00 • intermediate • News
Lead
Is social media the new smoking? Discover the alarming comparisons made by UK doctors and the implications for our youth in this insightful episode of BBC Learning English.
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Vocabulary
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consensus
/kənˈsɛntəs/
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Definition
An agreement or decision reached by a group of people.
Example
The team reached a consensus on the best approach to the project.
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overwhelming
/ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmɪŋ/
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Definition
Very great in amount; very strong or intense.
Example
There was an overwhelming response to the charity's fundraising campaign.
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curfew
/ˈkɜrˌfju/
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Definition
A regulation requiring people to remain indoors during specified hours.
Example
The city imposed a curfew to ensure the safety of its residents.
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harm
/hɑrm/
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Definition
Physical injury or damage; to cause injury or damage to someone or something.
Example
The new policy aims to prevent harm to children online.
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ban
/bæn/
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Definition
To prohibit or forbid something, typically by law or regulation.
Example
The government decided to ban smoking in public places.
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metaphorical
/ˌmɛtəˈfɔrɪkəl/
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Definition
Relating to or characterized by metaphor; figurative rather than literal.
Example
The speaker used a metaphorical expression to convey her message more vividly.
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