Social media has become an 1 part of everyday life for millions of people. Most teenagers 2 several hours a day online, and research suggests this constant connectivity can have both positive and negative effects. On the one 3, platforms allow young people to maintain friendships across distances. However, they can also 4 to feelings of anxiety when users compare themselves to others. Experts 5 that the key is balance: limiting screen time while making the most of digital tools for learning. Parents, 6, often find it difficult to enforce boundaries. Schools are beginning to 7 the issue, with some introducing digital wellbeing classes. It seems likely that learning to use technology 8 will become a core life skill.

Despite the rise of digital media, reading books remains one of 9 most popular leisure activities worldwide. Many people find that reading before bed helps them relax and 10 asleep more easily. Libraries, 11 were once thought to be in decline, have recently seen an increase in membership. This may be 12 to the growing popularity of reading clubs, which give members a reason to commit 13 reading regularly. Some argue 14 e-books and printed books each have their advantages, and both formats 15 likely to coexist for many years to 16.

Education systems worldwide face 17 pressure to change. There is widespread 18 that traditional teaching needs updating. The 19 of technology has transformed many classrooms. 20 thinking is now considered more valuable than memorisation. Schools must also encourage 21 between students, as teamwork is essential in most careers. 22 skills, both written and spoken, remain highly valued by employers. It is important not to underestimate the 23 of emotional intelligence in the workplace. The overall 24 of any education system depends on investment in teacher training.