It\u2019s challenging for kids to figure out how to spot fake news when even adults sometimes struggle. So, we\u2019re here to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following tips from the Nat Geo book Breaking the News<\/em><\/a> offer simple steps kids can follow to tell the difference between authentic news and misinformation. Plus, they\u2019ll help encourage children to think independently and become responsible digital citizens\u2014so kids are not only responsible for themselves, but also for what they share with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies show that people are much more likely to click on a headline or share a post if it makes them feel happy, angry, or excited. This is especially true among young people, who are some of the most likely to read clickbait<\/a>. And yet the most provocative headlines often turn out to be the most misleading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best advice for kids and<\/em> adults is that when we feel a strong, knee-jerk reaction, we should resist the urge to share the post immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stop, breathe, and think about what\u2019s making you feel that way. Is it a shocking headline or image? Does the language make wild statements without facts to back it up? These are tell-tale signs the post may be fake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And because headlines can be deceiving, kids should remember to read the whole article or post before sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children might not be glued to the daily news, but they\u2019ve probably absorbed some conflicting information. If your child feels confused, encourage them to ask the one question that will lead to the truth: What\u2019s the source of the information?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authentic news will include sources for all information presented. (And if anonymous sources are used, the story should explain why their information is withheld.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Explain that a reliable news story will provide sources for different sides of an issue, then work together to identify the sources in the story. Look for names of the people quoted as well as the organisations that provide the facts and figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if sources aren\u2019t provided? That\u2019s a major red flag that the news report isn\u2019t legitimate.<\/p>\n\n\n Here at National Geographic Kids, we strive to help young readers engage with accurate news from around the world. That’s why every issue of National Geographic Kids magazine <\/a>contains Cool News stories – informative, positive updates about real-world discoveries, actions and more! We hope this helps our readers and their families combat eco-anxiety <\/a>and feel hopeful for the planet’s future. Find out more.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Young people don\u2019t always know not to believe everything they read. Here are a few easy tricks that kids can use to tell if a fishy-sounding story could be a hoax, a wild conspiracy theory or misinformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, if something seems too far-fetched to be true, or it just feels wrong, trust your instinct – don\u2019t share it. (But if something scary is true – here’s how to talk to kids about frightening news.<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout history<\/a>, propaganda has followed a tried-and-true formula that\u2019s simple yet remarkably effective \u2013 and at times, very destructive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See if your child can identify any of these common propaganda techniques used by people or organisations covered in the news\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n One survey<\/a> found that about a third of kids who shared a story later found out it was fake or inaccurate. If your child accidentally shares a false story, they don\u2019t need to be embarrassed. After all, adults (and maybe you) have done this, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the responsible action is to try to stop the spread of false information by posting a note that explains that the post turned out to be fake. Your child can also encourage their friends to do the same if they\u2019ve shared it with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking for positive news stories to read with your kids, look no further! Sign up to the free National Geographic Kids newsletter <\/a>to receive good news stories, family-friendly activities, articles and more straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nStop before you click.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Go to the source.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/cdn.creatureandcoagency.com\/uploads\/2023\/02\/HowToSpotFakeNews-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFact-check suspicious stories.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Know how to spot propaganda.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Fess up if you make a mistake.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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For more tips to help kids navigate the online world safely, read our article about cyberbullying<\/a>.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Written by Robin Terry Brown, <\/strong>the author of Breaking the News: What\u2019s Real, What\u2019s Not, and Why the Difference Matters<\/em><\/a>.<\/em> Images all (c) Adobe Stock.<\/strong><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"