FAKE NEWS AND MISINFORMATION Source: NSPCC

Digital platforms have made it easier for anyone to share information online, and it can be difficult to determine whether something is real or false.

What a young person sees online can shape how they view the world and impact their overall wellbeing. It’s important to talk to them about how misinformation spreads and how to look out for it.

False information that is spread online is known as misinformation or disinformation. These are most commonly referred to as ‘fake news’ or ‘hoaxes’.

Misinformation is where false information is shared by accident without the intent to cause harm. For example, sharing inaccurate photos, quotes or dates online because you believe them to be true.

Disinformation is false information shared deliberately to mislead and cause harm. For example, fabricated news stories and political propagand

If you or your child comes across a hoax, scam or risky online challenge you should report it directly to the platform to try and get it removed. If you or your child has been scammed online you should report it to Action Fraud.

For more information on how to spot misinformation and disinformation, and how it spreads please click here.