As children across the UK head back to school, many will spend more time online – whether for homework or relaxation. However, the internet is full of misinformation, and it can be tough for children (and adults) to tell what’s real and what’s not. To support your child’s learning and ensure they navigate online spaces safely, here are six essential lessons to help them spot fake news and misleading information from Fasthosts
1. Think Before You Click
Clicking on stories that provoke strong emotions, like excitement or anger, is a natural instinct. But these types of headlines often don’t tell the full story. Teach your children to pause before they click or share. If a headline or image seems shocking or makes bold claims without evidence, it could be a sign that the story is unreliable. Encourage them to resist acting on strong knee-jerk reactions and instead think critically about what they’re reading.
2. Read Beyond the Headline
Headlines are designed to grab attention but often don’t reflect the full content of an article. Encourage your children to read an entire article, not just the first few lines, to get the full picture. This will help them form informed opinions, rather than relying on sensationalised snippets.
3. Check the Quality
Low-quality content is a major red flag. Articles filled with spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or overly edited videos and images are often a sign of poor research. Teach your kids to look for professional, well-written content, as this suggests the information has been properly fact-checked and edited.
4. Question Everything
The internet can appear to be a source of authority, but kids should be encouraged to question what they see. Ask them to think critically, asking questions like “Why?” and “How do you know?” Help them understand that bias exists and that different sources might present information to support a particular viewpoint.
5. Verify Elsewhere
It’s important for children to know where the information they’re reading comes from. Teach them to look for reputable sources, such as trusted news outlets, government websites, or verified academic databases. If they come across information on social media or elsewhere, encourage them to cross-check it with multiple sources to identify any inconsistencies.
6. Recognise Common Misinformation Techniques
Spotting misinformation is easier when you know what to look for. Teach your kids to watch out for false claims, misleading statements, conspiracy theories, and out-of-context quotes or images. By recognising these red flags, they’ll be able to quickly move on from unreliable information.
Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Misinformation
To make learning these skills enjoyable, try out some fun games like “Fake News Bingo,” “Misinformation Scavenger Hunt,” or “Fact-Checking Charades.” These activities can help your child practise recognising and verifying information in a way that’s engaging and memorable.