The Importance of Fact Checking

Let's Do This

It's important to empower young people to do their own research and learn more about topics that are important to them.  But given the sheer volume of information and sources out there, that can sometimes be easier said than done!  Here are three simple ways to encourage young people to fact check their information:

• Question Sensational Headlines – If something sounds too shocking, it might not be true. Encourage young people to double-check.
• Check the Source – Who wrote it? Is it from a reliable source or a website that just wants clicks?
• Think Before Sharing – Pause and ask, “Is this true?” before passing it along.

Stay Inspired

The more we understand how false information spreads, the better we can empower young people to make smart, informed choices. By checking facts and encouraging young people to be thorough in their research, we help to create a future where people think before they believe or share.

Source: Hazlett, Libby. “To Fix Fake News, Look to Yellow Journalism.” JSTOR Daily, 9 May 2017, daily.jstor.org. Click here to check out the full article.