Helping kids evaluate online content

True or false? Teaching kids how to use their critical thinking skills to evaluate online content is one of the most important steps in helping them become informed digital citizens.
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Think of the internet as a vast ocean of knowledge: sometimes it’s calm and easy to navigate, other times it’s choppy and unpredictable. But there's no getting around the fact that it’s a tool that's integral to our everyday lives.

For our little ones, it must seem like an enticing digital playground that’s bursting with limitless fun and boundless opportunities. It’s our responsibility to guide them in navigating this landscape safely and wisely.

In this article, we bring you our tried and tested techniques for helping children become more discerning with what they read and view online.

Why critical thinking is more important than ever

Critical thinking involves looking at online information through a detective’s lens and deciding if the information is true or false, correct or incorrect, biased or unbiased. It's a chance for children to awaken their inner sleuth to make judgements the credibility of online content.

In this digital era, critical thinking is more than just a skill - it’s a survival tool. It enables children to logically sift through the avalanche of information they encounter online so they can make better decisions about what content to engage with. 

Some techniques to help your child start thinking critically include:

  • Work together to create a list of questions about the content: Instead of just accepting everything they read online, we want our kids to be curious about it's origins and intentions. Great questions to ask are, “Who wrote this? When did they write this? What’s their goal? Could this be biased?”
  • Encourage your children to fact check what they read: Just like getting a second opinion when you’re not feeling well, it’s worth checking what your children read online with other sources. A piece of information is much more likely to be true if it is consistent across multiple trustworthy sites.
  • Keep the conversation going: It’s important that children have trusted adults they can consult when they’re unsure about what they see online. Actively participating in discussions with your children about the credibility of online information can help build the skills they need to safely navigate the web. To more effectively guide your children online, read more on our thoughts about why digital literacy matters for parents and carers. 

It’s also important to know the difference between a credible source and an unreliable one. It’s like knowing the difference between a well-established restaurant and a dodgy food stall. Reputable news outlets, educational institutions, and government websites are generally the go-to places for reliable information.

For more on digital safety, see our top resources for keeping kids safe online.

Spotting misinformation

Misinformation online is a very real and very serious issue. It’s important that our kids learn how to be aware of misinformation, identify it and avoid it. Sensational headlines are a common tactic. If something sounds too good to be true – trust your gut instincts – it probably is:

  • “Discover the Ultimate Toy That Everyone’s Talking About!” 
  • “Unlock Superpowers with This Amazing New Game!” 
  • “Be the Coolest Kid in School with This Awesome Gadget!” 
  • “Join the Adventure: The Toy That Takes You to Another World!” 
  • “Get Your Hands on the Secret to Endless Fun!”

Common claims with no basis in fact are a favourite of scammers. They’re like the tabloids at the supermarket checkout, using shocking or emotional language to grab your attention and click onto something.

Another sign of misinformation is poor quality. This could be in the form of spelling mistakes, grammar errors, low-quality images, or a lack of information about the author. If you’re reading an article and it’s riddled with typos, or the images are blurry, or there’s no mention of who wrote it, these could be indicators that the information is not reliable.

Lastly, be wary of unknown or untrustworthy websites. Just as you wouldn’t take candy from a stranger, you shouldn’t take information from a source you don’t trust. Always check that the source is worthy of your trust before accepting the information they provide.

How we can influence children to be confident digital citizens

As parents and guardians, we have the power to equip our children with the tools they need to navigate the digital world safely and wisely. By teaching them critical thinking skills and how to spot misinformation, we can help them make the most of the internet’s vast resources while avoiding its pitfalls.

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