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Managing Online Information

Finding the truth

In this lesson, children learn the differences between belief, fact and opinion along with what reliable sources look like. Help them understand what to do when faced with new information online.

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Interactive Learning

Do this part when a teacher, parent or carer asks you to. You’ll learn about the topic by doing short quizzes and talking about the activities.

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Once Upon Online

Help the characters make their way through this story to a positive ending. Choose a helper who will give you advice if you get stuck. Do this part at home or in the classroom when your teacher says.

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Parent tips

  • Talk about why not everything online is made to inform


    Talk about how not everything online is created to inform, some content is made to entertain, sell or get attention.

    - Explain that posts copying favourite influencers or promising giveaways (like free game skins or Robux) may be trying to trick people into clicking or sharing.

  • Encourage children to stop and think before trusting content


    If children show you something surprising or upsetting, avoid reacting immediately. Instead ask:

    - “What do you think about this?”
    - “Why do you think someone made this?”

    This builds their confidence to reflect rather than accept things at face value.

  • Support children to speak up if they’re unsure


    - Let children know it’s okay to say they’re unsure about something, even if their friends believe it.

    - Encourage them to come to you if they feel pressured to share something that doesn’t seem right.

  • Show children what to do next if something might be false


    Show them how to:

    - check with another trusted adult - search for the same story on a different site - report misleading content on platforms they use

    Remind them that once something is shared, it can spread quickly, even if it turns out not to be true.

    Many children first hear misinformation in the playground from someone they trust. Help them understand that friends can be mistaken too, especially if the original source was online.