Children will be taught to identify extremist content and fake news online under proposed changes to the school curriculum, the Education Secretary said.
Bridget Phillipson said it is launching a review of the curriculum in primary and secondary schools to incorporate critical thinking across multiple subjects and arm children against “putrid conspiracy theories”.
This means students can analyze articles in English classes to help them learn how to eliminate manufactured clickbait from accurate reporting.
Computer classes can teach them how to identify fake news sites, and math classes can include analyzing statistics in context.
Mrs. Phillipson told the Telegraph: “It’s more important than ever to give young people the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge what they see online.
“That’s why our curriculum review will develop plans to incorporate critical skills into lessons to arm our children against the misinformation, fake news and putrid conspiracy theories flooding social media.
“Our renewed curriculum will always set high and rising standards in core subjects – this is non-negotiable.”
She said the curriculum will also aim to broaden students’ access to cultural subjects and “give students the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in work and throughout life.”
Photo: iStock
Riots broke out across the UK after misinformation spread online that a Muslim asylum seeker was the suspect in the fatal stabbing three girls in Southport.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said on Saturday that a total of 779 people had been arrested over the riots. Of these, 349 were charged.
On Friday, two men were sentenced to prison for using social media to encourage disorder.
Jordan Parlor was sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading guilty to publishing written material intended to incite racial hatred.
Jordan Hall. Photo: West Yorkshire Police
Tyler Kay was jailed for 38 months after using social media to encourage people to burn down hotels housing asylum seekers.
The pair are believed to be the first to be sent to prison over social media posts made in relation to the nationwide riots.
Tyler Kay. Photo: Northamptonshire Police
Lucy Connolly, wife of a Conservative councillor, is due to appear in court on Monday after being accused of inciting racial hatred because of a post she made on X.
Social media moderation and regulation have also come under scrutiny following the recent riots.
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New regulation of social media platforms – the Online Safety Act – became law in the UK last year, but has not yet come into full force.
The law aims to impose rules on companies to keep inappropriate and potentially dangerous content away from vulnerable eyes.
Sir Keir Starmer hinted on Friday that he would consider further strengthening social media regulations after London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the law was “not fit for purpose”.
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