Here are Digital Jungle Scripts for Parents to Start Important Conversations about Polarising Figures like Alex Jones & Andrew Tate

If you're worried about how to talk to your kids about polarising figures that spread misinformation and dangerous rhetoric.

Here are scripts you can use to start important conversations about polarising figures like Alex Jones, Andrew Tate, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump, tailored for children of different ages.

These scripts aim to foster critical thinking and protect children from dangerous influences.

For Ages 6–9

Key Focus: Introduce the idea of role models and how not everyone in the public eye is a good example.

Script: “Have you ever heard of people like Andrew Tate or Elon Musk? Some of them have big ideas or say things that can make others upset. It’s important to think about what people say and whether it helps others or hurts them. Who do you think is a good role model, and why?”

• Follow-up Tip: Encourage discussion about kindness, helping others, and positive traits in role models they admire.

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Scenario: Child Repeats Something They Heard Online

Age Group: 6–9

Script: “I heard you mention something about [influencer]. Where did you hear that? Sometimes people say things to get attention, even if it’s not true or kind. Let’s think together: how does what they said make others feel, and is it something we agree with?”

• Example Follow-Up Activity: Look up examples of positive messages from role models they admire and discuss why those messages feel good.

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Scenario: Child Expresses Admiration for the Influencer

Age Group: 6–9

Script: “It sounds like you think [influencer] is cool. What do you like about them? Sometimes, people who seem interesting may not always make the best choices. What makes a person truly someone we can look up to?”

• Follow-Up Activity: Create a “Super Role Model” list with qualities like kindness, honesty, and fairness.

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Scenario: Child Feels Peer Pressure to Follow These Influencers

Age Group: 6–9

Script: “I noticed you’re talking about [influencer] like your friends are. Did your friends mention them? It’s okay to want to fit in, but we can always think about whether we really agree with someone before we follow what they do or say.”

• Follow-Up Activity: Role-play scenarios where they practice standing up for what they believe is right.

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For Ages 10–13

Key Focus: Explore critical thinking and how to evaluate what influencers say.

Script: “You might hear people talking about Donald Trump, Alex Jones or Andrew Tate online. They say things that some people agree with and others find harmful. What do you think it means to check if someone’s words are true or helpful? Let’s look up some of their ideas and decide together if they make sense or if they could hurt others.”

• Follow-up Tip: Teach them how to fact-check claims using trusted sources and discuss how some people use attention to spread harmful ideas.

Age Group: 10–13

Script: “That’s interesting that you heard [influencer] say that. What do you think about it? Did they explain why they think that way? Sometimes people online only tell part of the story. Let’s try finding more about it together and see if we can understand both sides.”

• Follow-Up Tip: Introduce tools like fact-checking websites (e.g., Snopes or Media Bias Fact Check) to encourage balanced research.

Age Group: 10–13

Script: “It’s great that you’re curious about [influencer]. Why do you think they’re so popular? Some people like them for their confidence, but others think they can be harmful. Let’s explore together how their actions match what they say.”

• Follow-Up Tip: Share stories of other leaders or influencers who embody positive traits to broaden their perspective.

Age Group: 10–13

Script: “Are your friends talking about [influencer]? It can feel like we have to follow what others are doing to fit in. But remember, being independent means thinking for yourself. Let’s talk about what you agree with and what you might question about what they’re saying.”

• Follow-Up Tip: Encourage them to share their own views with friends and how they can influence others positively.

?For Ages 14–17

Key Focus: Discuss media literacy, influence, and social responsibility.

Script: “I saw a clip about Donald Trump or Andrew Tate the other day. They can be really persuasive, but not everything they say is always helpful or true. Have you seen anything about them online? Let’s talk about how people like this influence others and how we can decide what’s worth listening to.”

• Follow-up Tip: Introduce them to the idea of “confirmation bias ” and how algorithms might feed them content based on what they already believe. Ask how they feel about the impact these figures have on their friends or online communities.

Age Group: 14–17

Script: “You mentioned [influencer] earlier. They’re known for saying things that get people talking, but some of it can be harmful or misleading. Why do you think people like them get so much attention? Do you think their ideas help or hurt society? Let’s dig into that.”

• Follow-Up Discussion: Explore how social media algorithms amplify controversial figures and discuss the importance of questioning their motives.

Age Group: 14–17

Script: “You admire [influencer], and I get that they have some interesting ideas. But let’s talk about their full story. What do you think about the things they’ve said or done that have caused harm? How can we separate good ideas from harmful ones?”

• Follow-Up Discussion: Discuss the concept of accountability and whether public figures should be held to higher standards because of their influence.

Age Group: 14–17

Script: “It sounds like there’s a lot of talk about [influencer] among your friends. What do you think about what they’re saying? Have you ever felt like you had to agree with someone just because others did? Let’s discuss how to stand firm in your beliefs.”

• Follow-Up Discussion: Share real-life examples of people standing up against harmful trends and how it inspired change.

Tips for All Ages

• Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think about what they said?”
• Model Critical Thinking: Share how you analyse the news or online content.
• Encourage Emotional Intelligence: Discuss how words and actions can affect others.