ADVERTORIAL
An Essential Guide for Parents and Teachers in the Age of Misinformation
By: Ariellah Rosenberg
“In a world where misinformation can spread rapidly and influence public opinion, critical thinking is a vital tool for maintaining a healthy democracy.”
As a child, I remember the excitement of discovering new things and the total curiosity that drove me to ask endless questions. One day, a neighbour told me about a tree that supposedly grew sweets. Fascinated, I immediately shared this discovery with my friends and family and started searching for this special tree (sweets were my absolute love). However, my joy quickly turned to embarrassment when I learnt the story was a hoax. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about verifying information before accepting it as truth. Today, in a world inundated with misinformation and fake news, especially given the ubiquity of the internet, the need for critical thinking skills has never been more crucial, especially for our children.
The Digital Landscape: A Double-Edged Sword
As of April 2024, there were 5,44 billion internet users worldwide, amounting to 67,1 percent of the global population. Of this total, 5,07 billion, or 62,6 percent of the world’s population, were social media users (Statista). Social media has profoundly impacted both online activities and offline behaviour. While it has increased access to information, ease of communication, and freedom of expression, it has also compromised personal privacy, heightened political polarisation, and increased everyday distractions.
In 2024, the average daily social media usage of internet users worldwide was 143 minutes per day, up 60% from 2012’s 90 minutes per day. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram dominate the online landscape, shaping users’ experiences and influencing their perceptions of reality. Given this context, it’s essential to equip children with the skills to navigate this complex digital world.
Why Critical Thinking Matters
Critical thinking is the ability to analyse information objectively and make a reasoned judgement. It involves evaluating sources, identifying biases, and distinguishing between facts and opinions. Developing these skills in children helps them become discerning consumers of information, capable of making informed decisions in an age where misinformation is extensive.
Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking
- Encourage Questioning: Children are naturally curious. Encourage them to ask questions about the information they encounter. Simple prompts like “What do you think about this?” or “Why do you believe this is true?” can stimulate critical thinking.
- Teach Media Literacy: Media literacy involves understanding how media works, the purpose behind it, and its impact on audiences. Teachers and parents can use real-world examples to show how media can be manipulated and guide children in identifying reliable sources.
- Promote Fact-Checking: Introduce children to fact-checking websites and tools. Encourage them to verify information by cross-referencing multiple sources. The steps for detecting fabricated content are straightforward: be patient, double-check the source, survey multiple sources, perform a reverse image search, and engage in lateral reading. Teaching these skills can help children distinguish the authenticity of the information they encounter.
- Foster Analytical Skills Through Coding and Robotics: At ORT SA, we promote critical thinking through our coding and robotics programmes in previously disadvantaged schools. These programmes challenge students to solve problems creatively and logically, enhancing their analytical skills and fostering a mindset of enquiry and innovation.
- Discuss Current Events: Use current events to teach children how to analyse information critically. Discuss news stories and encourage them to consider the sources, the evidence presented, and different perspectives. This practice helps them apply critical thinking skills to real-life situations.
- Model Critical Thinking: Children learn by example. Demonstrate critical thinking in your own daily life. Discuss your thought process when evaluating information, making decisions, or solving problems. This modelling can help children understand how to apply these skills themselves.
The Role of Parents and Teachers Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in developing children’s critical thinking skills. By creating an environment that encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, and scepticism, adults can help children navigate the digital landscape more effectively.
For Parents:
- Set an Example: Show your children how you evaluate information critically. Discuss news articles, social media posts, and other sources of information with them.
- Provide Resources: Introduce your children to books, websites, and other resources that promote critical thinking. Encourage them to explore and ask questions.
- Monitor Media Consumption: Help your children understand the impact of media on their perceptions and beliefs. Discuss the importance of consuming information from diverse and reliable sources.
For Teachers:
- Incorporate Critical Thinking into the Curriculum: Design lessons that require students to analyse, evaluate, and create based on the information they learn.
- Use Technology Wisely: Leverage digital tools and resources to teach critical thinking. Use online simulations, games, and projects that require students to solve problems and think critically.
- Create a Safe Learning Environment: Encourage learners to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgement. Foster a classroom culture that values curiosity, questioning, and respectful debate.
The Impact of Critical Thinking on Society
Developing critical thinking skills in children is not just about preparing them for academic success. It’s about equipping them to be informed, engaged, and responsible citizens. In a world where misinformation can spread rapidly and influence public opinion, critical thinking is a vital tool for maintaining a healthy democracy. As AI technology advances, creating sophisticated and convincing misinformation, the ability to think critically becomes even more critical. Teaching children how to evaluate information and make reasoned judgements can help them navigate the complexities of the digital age and contribute positively to society.
The importance of developing critical thinking skills in children cannot be overstated. At ORT SA, we are committed to fostering these skills through our educational programmes. By working together, parents and teachers can help children become astute consumers of information, capable of making informed decisions in a world where misinformation is prevalent. By encouraging questioning, teaching media literacy, promoting fact-checking, fostering analytical skills through coding and robotics, discussing current events, and modelling critical thinking, we can equip our children to thrive in the information age. As we continue to confront the challenges posed by misinformation and fake news, our commitment to developing critical thinking skills in the next generation will be crucial for their success and the well-being of our society.
Ariellah Rosenberg is the CEO of ORT SA, an NGO that promotes ICT education, skills development and entrepreneurship in South Africa
