As we all adjust to living with Covid-19 we are being encouraged to only engage with legitimate news sources. This is an ideal opportunity to teach your child about the importance of identifying fake news.   Developing the ability to decipher what is real from what is fake when it comes to online content is certainly a crucial skill, not only for children but adults too!  One area where this is particularly important is when it comes to the news that is circulated online.

The term fake news is one that is relatively recent. It became part of everyday conversation in the run up to and aftermath of the American Presidential Election in 2016. A simple definition of fake news is: Fake news is news that deliberately isn’t factually accurate. It’s a type of pseudo-journalism that spreads premeditated misinformation or hoaxes via traditional print and broadcast news media or social media with mischievous or malicious intent. While an element of fake news has always existed, the internet has made this even more prevalent. Even adults find it a challenge to identify fake news, so imagine what that is like for children and teens. What can you do to help your child to distinguish between real and fake news when they are online?

Not too long ago the researching, writing and publishing of news was left to those working in newspapers. Now anyone with access to a laptop, iPad or smartphone can write and easily publish content that can be read by a huge audience across a range of ages. There are a number of steps that we recommend with regard to educating your child about fake news. Regularly talking to your child about the content they read when they are online. Encourage them to look beyond the headline. A headline is usually written to tempt you to click into the story to read more. The old adage of ‘not believing everything you read’ is apt here. While the headline might say one thing the body of the story may say something completely different. Encourage your child to exercise a degree of scepticism and teach them that if they read something that they think is too good to be true or completely unbelievable then it usually is. When we visit schools all over the country to talk to children and teens about staying safe online, it is obvious that many children and teens do not always understand that the online world is not as simple as it seems. Nowhere is this more obvious than when it comes to fake news. Teens may be in a position to exercise a little more cynicism in relation to what they read online. Encourage them to do some detective work on a website they are dubious of. Is it an unusual URL or site name ending in ‘co’ that is trying to look legitimate, but isn’t? Is there contact information on the site? Does the author exist? If the site requires you to register before you can access it, then your alarm bells should be ringing! You can of course do some detective work on behalf of your child too.

One positive outcome of the rise of fake news is that children are being encouraged to be critical thinkers from a young age. Having regular conversations about what is real and fake news with your children is a great first step in helping them to develop a critical element to the way that they see the content they read online.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News so important?

Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News is essential because children and teens are constantly exposed to online content. Developing the ability to question, analyse, and verify information helps them become critical thinkers and safer digital citizens.

2. What is fake news?

Fake news refers to content that is deliberately false or misleading. It is a form of pseudo-journalism designed to spread misinformation or hoaxes, often with mischievous or malicious intent. While misinformation has always existed, the internet and social media have made it much easier to spread.

3. Why is fake news harder to identify online?

Today, anyone with access to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop can publish content online. Unlike traditional journalism, online content is not always fact-checked or regulated. This makes Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News more challenging—but also more necessary—than ever before.

4. At what age should I start teaching my child about fake news?

It’s never too early to begin Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News. Even younger children can learn simple habits, such as questioning headlines and talking to a trusted adult if something seems confusing or unbelievable. As children grow older, these skills can become more advanced and analytical.

5. How can I help my child spot fake news?

There are several practical steps you can take:

  • Encourage them to look beyond attention-grabbing headlines.

  • Remind them not to believe everything they read online.

  • Discuss whether a story seems “too good to be true.”

  • Check the website’s URL for unusual spellings or endings.

  • Look for author information and contact details.

  • Be cautious of websites that require registration before viewing content.

Regular conversations are one of the most effective tools in Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News.

6. Why are headlines often misleading?

Headlines are designed to grab attention and encourage clicks. Sometimes the headline exaggerates or misrepresents the actual content of the article. Teaching children to read the full story rather than reacting to the headline is a key step in developing critical thinking skills.

7. How can teens apply more advanced critical thinking online?

Teens can practise “digital detective work” by:

  • Investigating the credibility of the website

  • Checking if the author is real and reputable

  • Comparing the story with reports from trusted news sources

  • Questioning unusual website addresses or formatting

Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News at this stage helps build independent, responsible online habits.

8. What role do parents play in combating fake news?

Parents play a crucial role by maintaining open communication about online content. Asking children what they are reading, discussing current events together, and modelling healthy scepticism all reinforce the importance of Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News.

9. Can learning about fake news have positive outcomes?

Yes. One positive outcome of the rise in fake news is that children are learning to become critical thinkers at a younger age. Teaching Kids to Identify Fake News strengthens analytical skills that are valuable not only online, but in school and everyday life.

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