Teaching kids on how to assess information accuracy?
Megha Mittal
3x founder | 1x Exit | Games for Good | McKinsey&Co. | Booking.com | Musician | Board Member
My 8-year-old asked me — mamma, how do I know what they say on Google is correct? How do I know what is a fact, and what is an opinion?
With the misinformation and biased sources, it’s crucial for children to develop critical thinking skills early on. As a parent, finding time to teach these skills was hard.
So I built simple approaches into everyday interactions. I am sharing the approaches that worked, and hopefully it will benefit other parents.
1. Encourage Questioning
Encourage children to question the information they encounter. Whether it’s a news article, a social media post, or a TV commercial, prompt them to ask “why” and “how.”
For example: while watching a commercial together, ask questions like, “Why do you think they’re saying that?” or “How do you think they want you to feel?” This encourages kids to think critically about the motives behind the information presented to them.
2. Teach Source Evaluation
Teach children to evaluate the reliability of sources. Discuss with them what makes a source trustworthy, such as credibility, expertise, and impartiality.
For instance, while browsing the internet together, point out reliable websites like National Geographic or NASA, and explain why they’re considered trustworthy. This helps children develop the skills to discern credible sources from unreliable ones.
3. Introduce Fact-Checking Tools
Introduce children to fact-checking tools and websites. Show them how to verify claims using resources like Google Fact Check.
For example, if your child hears a strange rumor, use one of the fact check websites to search for it together and see if it’s been debunked or confirmed. This empowers children to independently verify information and distinguish fact from fiction.
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Some sites I’ve been using:
4. Discuss Media Literacy
Discuss the influence of media on information and teach kids to recognize bias and manipulation. Explain how different media outlets may present the same story differently due to their biases.
For instance, while watching the news, point out instances of bias and discuss how it impacts the information presented. This cultivates media literacy skills, enabling children to critically analyze media messages.
5. Foster Curiosity
Foster a sense of curiosity in your children by encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers. When they pose a question you’re unsure about, say, “I’m not sure, let’s look it up together,” and explore the topic together online or in books. This not only satisfies their curiosity but also teaches them the importance of seeking evidence and information.
Incorporating these approaches into daily routines helped a lot.
By nurturing their ability to question, evaluate sources, fact-check, understand media bias, and foster curiosity, we can empower our children to navigate the complexities of the digital world confidently.
Let’s hope, as they grow, these skills will help them in separating truth from misinformation and making informed decisions.
I’d love to hear from you:
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3 个月What Ms. M does as a mother is commendable. But all kids (indeed, all people) in this era of too much information, misinformation and disinformation need to acquire tools to assess the credibility of what they read, hear and watch. The requisite skills should be taught in school at various levels, whether as part of a civics or social studies course or, in high school, a more formal study of statistics. Good citizens don't just know their rights and facts about the structure and processes of our government: they know how to function as intelligent citizens and voters. Given the awful deficits in critical skills we see nowadays, this area should not be left to home instruction -- though, of course, it is wonderful if parents do their own instruction and sensitization as well.