Online reliability: Talk to your kids about fake news

The internet and social media have changed the way we learn about the world around us. However, with so many sources of information, it can be difficult to keep up with what is real and what is fake online. With so many sources of information online, it is increasingly difficult to understand what content is based on fact or fiction.

We recommend that families participate in the ‘Find the Fake’ questionnaire; spot misinformation and encourage them to learn more about it in a fun way.

Launch of a new interactive quiz: ‘Find the Fake’: Talk to your kids about fake news

Our interactive and informative ‘Find the Counterfeit’ quiz ; in partnership with Google, it was created to test families’ knowledge of how to spot fake news and encourage them to learn more about it. Its goal is to spark conversations between parents and youth about how to recognize fake news and limit the negative impact it can have.

Dr. Linda Papadopoulos’s six tips on how to talk to your kids about fake news:

• 1. Always
  talk to them about the source of information: The notion of ‘the source’ is key with any information that a child consumes, so talking about it in various contexts, from the authors of the texts to the research sites and news, it will help them think critically about the ideas presented to them. Parents should always talk to their children about where they get the information from. Even if it is on reputable websites, it should be discussed so that they can understand the importance of reliable sources. It is about teaching them critical thinking so that they can judge for themselves what is real and what is false.
• 2. Help them understand that just because there is something everywhere does not mean it is true:
  It is critical to note that sometimes something that is inaccurate can be amplified online and become ubiquitous. Even if a story has been covered everywhere, it can still be false. It is nothing new. You can look back in the history books and see where this has happened on a grand scale through defamatory rumors and propaganda. Don’t accept something as fact because a lot of people are talking about it.
• 3. Give examples:
  Talk about something that happened in recent history, such as those who believe that the Earth is flat. Explain that of course everyone should be able to express their opinions and ideas, but that there is a difference between ‘beliefs’ that are personal and knowledge agreed upon by society and accepted only after it has been vetted by the scientific method. and experts in particular fields. So if you are unsure about something, you can look to sources that are not based on personal beliefs, but on specialists and experts who have spent years studying a particular field, rather than people who are simply perpetuating an idea.
• 4. Encourage a discussion about it:
  It is really important to get them to encourage discussion. One of the best ways we can expose fake news is to ask questions, whether in school or at the dinner table, and have them look at the evidence to corroborate your points while you do the same.
• 5. If they have shared fake news, encourage them to correct it:
  Encourage them to admit ‘I was wrong on this one’. There is nothing else noteworthy and courageous and a true mark of character to admit that sometimes we screw up and it is a wonderful discussion to have with your children. Teach them that they will be more respected for it. Explain that they should correct it, as it could be annoying or harmful to someone else viewing it. You can help them to post the messages if it is the first time. It also helps to normalize the behavior in that child’s environment so that others can do so as well.
• 6. Let them know that fake news should be reported and flagged:
  It is also important to make sure they know how to report it to prevent it from spreading further and affecting others. Each social media site has its own guidelines and easy steps to follow.Report content if you think it is false.

Additional thoughts

Dr. Linda Papadopoulos said: “It is increasingly difficult to detect fake news in today’s world. Even reputable news organizations have found themselves reporting false stories as of late.

“Fake news is dangerous because the decisions we make in our lives are based on the information we have, and if that information is faulty, it means that we are not making the best decision for our well-being and those around us.

“That is why it is important that parents talk to their children about the subject, teach them critical thinking skills and media literacy. Together they can help them navigate their global online safety. “

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters said: “This year’s Internet Safer Day theme organized by the UK Internet Safer Center is particularly moving. Unfortunately, fake news and misinformation are on the rise, and separating fact from fiction is not always easy.

“In addition to following these expert tips from Dr. Linda, we always encourage parents to make children think carefully about what they see and hear online. Help them verify the source of the information and discuss the impact of republishing or sharing false information.

“You can also take our Find the Fake quiz to test your knowledge and learn about fake news as a family in a fun and safe environment.

Internet Matters “Find the Fake” quiz was launched today in partnership with Google. Its goal is to help families test their knowledge and learn about types of fake news, identify parts of the content that are false or misleading, and understand how fake news is written and distributed.

Test your knowledge and learn more about fake news by taking the ‘Find the Fake’ quiz here .

To learn more about fake news to help kids, visit the fake news and misinformation hub here .