Talk with your child – talk regularly with your child to discover how they use technology, what websites and information sources the access and where their ‘go-to’ place for information online is. Discuss who they’re following and the types of adverts they see, what they have found suspicious or inaccurate themselves already, and why. Challenge them to challenge the source and seek facts or further support whenever they’re unsure of something.

Set an example – if you come across a fake news story/article, or receive a phishing/spam email, show it to your child and discuss how you spotted it was fake, and what you did. How about getting them involved by asking them for a second opinion? This is a fantastic learning opportunity for them to see it first hand and the actions you took.

Check in with your child – inaccurate, false or misleading information can be upsetting and confusing for young people (as well as older people). For example – things like hate speech/hate groups, conspiracy theories surrounding distressing events.  Young people may feel powerless when experiencing and reading this kind of content, so it’s important you regularly check in with them and ask them how what they see makes them feel. It can affect all of us, but reassuring them that you’re there to talk about online content that distress  them, shows you’re there as a source of support.

Seek further help/support – we regularly ask young people to reach out and discuss when they’re unsure of something – make sure you do too! It’s likely many other parents/carers are also trying to seek support on how they can help their child when it comes to misinformation on the internet. It’s everyone’s responsibility to make the internet a safer place. 

If you’re worried or concerned, please reach out to the your child’s form tutor or pastoral team. You can also reach out to me directly on esafety@brockington.leics.sch.uk for any advice and support. As the College’s CEOP Ambassador, I regularly help and support students with any E-Safety issues/queries/concerns. 

Below are links to further resources/support regarding misinformation.