Reading comprehension

Read the following speech by Viviane Reding, a member of the European

Commission responsible for Information Society and Media. The speech was
delivered in Strasbourg on Safer Internet Day (9 February) 2010.
Think before you post! How to make social networking sites safer for children and
teenagers.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to open the 7 th session of Safer Internet Day. I am particularly grateful to the
European Parliament for hosting this important event. It is one of our most important duties
as politicians to ensure the protection of children’s rights.
The Safer Internet Day is now a global event celebrated in more than 60 countries worldwide.
This year’s theme. Think before you post! Shows our determination to empower young
people to manage their online identify in a responsible way. Why is this important, you may
ask?
Most of the 75% of Europe’s youngsters who go online are enthusiastic users of social
networking sites. These communication tools offer children and teenagers new opportunities
to be creative and to express themselves freely. However, young people do not always realise
that the pictures they post online may end up being seen by people they do not know.
Children must be taught how to control their own online identity.
This has been the main purpose of the Safer Internet Programme since 1999.
Firstly, we have been informing children, parents and teachers about online risks, such as
privacy risks, cyberbullying and grooming.
Secondly, and in response to an increase in the number of reports of ‘cyberbullying’, the
INSAFE network ran the ‘Block bullying online’ campaign encouraging teenagers to report
cases of online harassment.
I want to thank all of you for your continued commitment to making the Internet what it
should be: a safe place for our children and young people, a place where they can safely enjoy
themselves, learn, communicate and have fun.
Thank you

Questions

1. To whom is Viviane Reding speaking?

2. Why do you think this day was chosen for this particular speech?
3. According to the speech, what opportunities do social networking sites provide for children
and teenagers?

4. What are identifies as the main risks to young people using social networking sites?

5. What does Viviane Reding suggest can be done to protect children and teenagers from these
risks?

6. Identify and discuss two examples of emotive language which Reding uses to make the
speech effective?

7. Name one other technique Reding uses to manipulate the audience. Give one example.
Briefly explain how she uses this technique