What the Fake News and Misinformation Tip Center is about: Launch of our fake news and misinformation tips hub

The cube launched with the support of Google will help inform and educate parents and caregivers with strategies to empower children and youth to recognize and report misinformation online. The online center offers the best tips, resources and expert advice, including content from one of the organization’s experts, Professor William Watkin, on the subject.

Why was the hub created?: Launch of our fake news and misinformation tips hub

With the second national lockdown in full effect, the spread of fake news about Covid-19 has become a top parental concern, according to our new research. More than a third (36%) of parents say they are more concerned that their children will see false information about the coronavirus. This scored higher than any other misinformation problem, which includes; misleading Internet challenges (33%) , terrorism (33%), and bogus health and medical advice, such as a cure for cancer (28%) .

Parents worry about fake news affecting their children: Launch of our fake news and misinformation tips hub

Overall, the study found that while three-quarters (75%) of parents are concerned about fake news, only 16% have had a conversation with their children about how to identify fake news in recent months.

These concerns and experiences were found to be even more important to parents of vulnerable children. However, these parents are more likely to be aware of fact-checking websites, to help combat the gap between fact and fiction.

When parents were asked which negative impacts they were most concerned about after exposure to fake news, more than a third (34%) said they were concerned that their children were worried or anxious. And more than a quarter believe it can distort or confuse their world view. (27%) or attracting them to the ‘wrong crowd’ at school (27%) .

The importance of raising awareness

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters, said: “This research highlights that parents are understandably concerned that their children will find it more difficult to separate fact from fiction, especially in relation to Covid-19.

That is why it is so important to help them understand what they see online by encouraging them to think carefully about what they see and hear online.

For example, help them verify the source of the information and analyze the impact of republishing or sharing false information. There are also technology tools on the platforms that you can use to help narrow your newsfeed and manage what you watch.

We always encourage parents to have regular conversations with their children about online safety issues. “

Fake news expert Professor William Watkin of Brunel University said: “Fake news and misinformation are a growing problem for parents. The ever-changing digital landscape makes it increasingly difficult for parents to keep up.

But by helping children distinguish between the real and the false, you can help them develop critical thinking and digital literacy.

Talk to them about what to look for when they’re online, like what the story is trying to say and how the story makes them feel; Often times, fake news will try to manipulate people’s feelings into clicking.

Also, ask them to check things like the URL and images included, and let them know, even if it’s been shared by a friend or influencer, it doesn’t mean it’s real.

You cannot protect your child from misinformation that exists, but you can teach him how to read it, respond to it and, if necessary, report it. “

For more information and resources on fake news and misinformation, visit the hub here.