by Abigail Roch
Children in England will be taught how to identify online fake news and “putrid conspiracy theories”, as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pushes for changes to the school curriculum in both primary and secondary schools.
The government plans to include critical thinking in multiple subjects to “arm” children against extremist content.
In English lessons, students could analyse articles to learn how to differentiate accurate reporting from fabricated stories. Computer lessons may help students spot fake news websites and maths classes could include analysing statistics in particular contexts.
Phillipson said: “It’s more important than ever that we give young people the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge what they see online”, adding that the curriculum review “will develop plans to embed critical skills in lessons to arm our children against the disinformation, fake news and putrid conspiracy theories awash on social media. Our renewed curriculum will always put high and rising standards in core subjects – that’s non-negotiable.”
The Education Secretary concluded that changes will include a broad curriculum that expands access to cultural subjects and “gives pupils the knowledge and skills they need to thrive at work and throughout life.”
This is a result of the recent riots – led by far-right extremists – breaking out across the UK due to inaccurate information about the background and religion of the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport in late July. A social media post on X wrongly accused the suspect of being a Muslim asylum seeker.
The Online Safety Act – including new regulation of social media platforms – was brought into law last October to increase online safety in the UK, by imposing rules on companies to protect vulnerable eyes from inappropriate and potentially dangerous content.
The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned that he would work on further strengthening social media regulations after London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that the act was “not fit for purpose”.
LYIS thought piece: It is more important than ever that leaders in our international schools help students understand the prevalence of fake news and extremist content in everyday life – especially in subjects such as news and politics. Regulating exposure to harmful content on social media is of paramount importance. Chris Nash from LYIS notes “Are you aware of what constitutes controversial or disturbing material in your school, and how is it dealt with to ensure cultural sensitivity?”.
If you would like further information on fake news and how to identify it, visit: https://guides.lib.uw.edu/bothell/news/misinfo.
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Email: abbyroch@gmail.com
