Is the nanny state going too far? The UK government plans to protect teenagers from drinking too much caffeine. Some say there are already too many rules.
Energy drink ban for under-16s planned
Energy rush: Boys drink more energy drinks than girls. They are linked to headaches, irritability and being excluded from school. Comprehension quiz
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What is the meaning of the term “nanny state” in the context of this article?
A: A government that provides free childcare for all citizens.
B: A state where most of the population works in the childcare sector.
C: A government that is criticised for introducing regulations that protect people from themselves, which some see as taking away freedoms.
D: A government that passes laws related to the health of children.
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Which word is the closest synonym for vulnerable?
A: Strong
B: Exposed
C: Aggressive
D: Immune
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According to the article, which two of the following are potential health risks associated with consuming too much caffeine?
A: Improved concentration
B: Heart palpitations
C: Obesity
D: Headaches
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Besides the ban on energy drinks, identify two other government actions mentioned in the text that have been described as examples of the “nanny state”.
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The article states a key reason why the Prime Minister believes these health regulations are justified. Find and write down the phrase that describes what he hopes to secure for the NHS.
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In your own words, summarise the two opposing viewpoints in the article about the government’s regulations on public health.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. C 2. B 3. B and D 4. Besides the ban on energy drinks, identify two other government actions mentioned in the text that have been described as examples of the "nanny state". 5. "The long-term future" 6. One viewpoint is that the government is justified in introducing these regulations to improve public health, prevent future sickness, and reduce the burden on the NHS. The opposing viewpoint is that these actions are an example of a "nanny state" that takes away personal freedoms.
Glossary
Caffeine - A drug that increases the activity of the brain and nervous system. It is found in many drinks, such as tea, coffee and soft drinks, as well as energy drinks, which have large amounts of caffeine.
Palpitations - A noticeably fast, strong or irregular heartbeat caused by stress, exercise or illness.
Obesity - The medical condition of being very overweight. There are many ways of measuring this, including a BMI of 30 or more. (You can work out your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.)
MP - Member of Parliament. There are 650 MPs representing people in different areas of the UK.
Labour - Britain's main left-of-centre political party.
Eating disorders - A range of mental health conditions which result in somebody having abnormal eating patterns, which then affects their physical and mental health.