Fact-Checking Tools for Teens and Tweens
There’s been a heightened focus on the media,especially with claims of “fake news” being thrown around by candidates and pundits. The global virtual society cannot be ignored as the internet provides a platform to disseminate Information and meta data.
So how can you know if you’re reading a credible news source or a website that’s been compromised? How can we equip our children who are vulnerable with tools and skills to enable them not fall victim?
We live at a time where everyone wants to get the latest information as fast as possible and share it to their networks even faster, therefore it is prudent to verify information and its sources because the consequences of “mis-information” or “Fake News” are draconian.
Common Sense Media – An informative and well equipped website has a plethora of tools for Fact Checking suitable for Kids.
1. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/snopes
2. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/opensecretsorg
3. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/factcheckorg
4. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/poynter
In addition, Eveminet has a Digital Literacy Program called Whiz Kids Africa for teens and tweens that among other topics focuses on Digital Footprint Management. Individuals are able to manage their digital footprints and use technology in a manner that contributes to positive reputation and acquire attitudes and values on prudence and virtual responsibility.
Parents and guardians raising the internet generation have huge a responsibility to educate their children on Media and Information which primarily should aid in the child being careful and critical of the information that they encounter online and self aware on how their moods and emotions may be influenced by their digital experiences.
