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Let’s guide, not guard our online spaces |
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We are increasingly living our lives online and the internet helps us to stay in touch with friends, shop, play games and keep up to date with the latest news. As more people are using social media as a source of news, misinformation has become a growing problem in recent years, especially in the online space. While it is good to be exposed to a variety of news sources and opinions, the algorithms used by social media platforms show users content that is similar to their previously viewed content. This can mean that by being exposed to one or two pieces of misinformation, provokes suggestions for more inaccurate or untrustworthy content. This becomes a problem when people start to trust and support unreliable media sources and it starts to influence their views. There is also the issue of violent and distressing content being shared online which can upset young people or influence them. We want to encourage people to keep the scroll honest and raise awareness of the harmful consequences of sharing false information or violent content. We all have a role in keeping information spaces safe and trustworthy and protecting vulnerable and young people. Let’s guide, not guard our online spaces.
Misinformation vs disinformationMisinformation and disinformation can both have harmful consequences, but it is important to know the difference. Misinformation is fake news that is created and spread by a mistake – by someone who doesn’t realise that it’s false. However, these stories can still influence the opinions of their readers. Disinformation is fake news that is created and spread deliberately – by someone who knows full well that it’s false. The purpose is often to persuade people to think a certain way.
How to spot false informationThe sharing of false information can harm, consider the following when checking the reliability of information online: Are there signs that the original image has been photoshopped or altered? You can check whether an image has been used before on the web and elsewhere by doing a ‘reverse image search’ on Google. Is there any other information to support what you are being told? Check a fact-checking site such as Full Fact. Has the information has come from a reliable source? Check the author and the website it is coming from. Is the information recent or is an old story being dragged up to support a narrative that there is a certain problem happening now? Is the headline accurate? Read beyond the headlines to get the whole story. Is a user/account online sharing stories selectively? What do to do if you spot false information Calling out and correcting misinformation can be helpful in stopping it from spreading further and being believed by others. You could do this by: Finding a source that proves the information is fake and sharing this in the comments section of the post. Encouraging others to question the reliability of the source. Sharing a link to another more reliable source, to provide people viewing it with a more diverse range of perspectives on the story. We understand that some people share false information by accident. It’s not about pointing fingers – it’s about pointing people towards the truth.
Protecting children from seeing harmful content onlineAll parents want to keep their children safe and to do this it is important to aware of the risks posed by the internet. Going online is part of life now for children and young people which could mean that they are exposed to violent, distressing and harmful content. False information can also be used to influence and radicalise young people. The following advice can help protect children when they are online: Set up parental controls that allow you to block and filter upsetting or inappropriate content. Look for content or age settings on apps to help limit certain types of content. If they see any harmful or distressing online content, report it. Talk to them about what they are seeing online and how it may not be true. Encourage them to spot false information and question things that they are reading or being told online. Warning SignsThere can be indications that your child or someone you know might be becoming fascinated with violent content or being influenced by a group. It can be difficult to spot some of these signs in children and younger people. This is because they are often associated with ‘typical teenage behaviour’ which is why it is important to consider the intensity of the behaviour rather than one sign. Warning signs include: Isolating themselves from friends and family Interest, possession or promotion of extreme themes or materials. Self-harming. Unexplained money or gifts. They are becoming increasingly angry about issues or events they feel are unfair or unjust. Being secretive about who they are talking to online and using of encrypted communications platforms, such as Discord and Telegram. This behaviour may lead to them harming themselves or others. If you are worried about family member or friend, you need to protect them and seek help. The section below features information on how you can support them.
Worried about a friend or family memberIf you are worried that a child or someone you know might be becoming fascinated with violent content or being influenced by a group contact ACT Early. You can share your concerns confidentially with their specially trained officers. Visit: ACT Early Or call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 0113764, which is open 24 hours every day. Reporting harmful contentFor more information on how to report harmful online content visit: Report Harmful Content To report crime anonymouslyContact Crimestoppers: Crimestoppers UK Online safety advice for parentsThe Educate Against Hate website provides teachers, parents and carers with practical advice, support and resources to protect children from extremism and radicalisation: Educate Against Hate The NSPCC website has advice for parents: NSPCC Childline has resources and videos for children: Childline | ||
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