Learning English Podcast – Deforestation Rules, Social Media Bans, People Watching

On today’s podcast, Ashley Thompson and Dan Novak host the show. Then Ashley tells listeners what they will hear.

First, Dan Friedell and Anna Matteo report on coffee growers’ concerns about the European Union’s new deforestation rules. The rules will affect exports of coffee and other agricultural products that are being blamed for deforestation. Small coffee-growers in countries like Vietnam, Ethiopia and Peru are concerned that they might not be able to sell to Europe after new rules take effect.

Then, Florida passed a law that bars children under 14 years of age from having social media accounts. Supporters say the bill protects children from possible online harm. Critics argue the law might violate constitutional protections for free speech. Several states have passed their own laws aimed at preventing young children from getting exposed to online social media environments which have been linked to mental health and privacy concerns.

Following the report, Bryan and Ashley discuss how the state of Florida plans to enforce its new social media law. The law calls for a third-party service to make sure users are over the legal age.

Then there is a short promotional message for the VOA Learning English program Let’s Learn English with Anna.

Finally, Andrew Smith and Jill Robbins talk about “people watching” as it appears in the VOA Learning English program Let’s Learn English. For example, the characters in the series like to see how people are different and the same. Then Andrew and Jill talk for a long time about stereotypes and warn everyone against judging others unfairly.

Then, Ashley and Dan sign off.

Coffee Growers Worry about New EU Anti-deforestation Rules https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/coffee-growers-worry-about-new-eu-anti-deforestation-rules/7543771.html

Florida Approves Law Banning Social Media for Children under 14 https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/florida-bans-social-media-for-children-under-14/7545764.html

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