Media literacy is an educational task

What is fake news? What role do social networks play in their spread? This is also a hotly debated topic at the family dinner table. Parents can promote their children's media skills by searching for the truth together.

There is a lot of information about the coronavirus on the internet. And many rumours. Where does Covid-19 come from? How bad is the virus for children? How well does a mask protect against infection? Some reports stir up fear, others are confusing. What are facts - what is fake?
In times of heated and often fact-free discussions, it is becoming increasingly apparent that media literacy is an increasingly important educational task for parents (and schools).
The good news: according to the 2018 James Study, around two thirds of all young people are interested in current affairs. The vast majority obtain information by talking to friends and family in person. Just under 60 per cent obtain information via social media, while video portals such as YouTube and search engines such as Google are also important. TV and radio are sources of information for just a third of young people - but become more important as they get older.
Social media are fake news slingers. Many young people seem to be aware of this: The internet is rated as the least credible news source. TV and radio come out on top.

Develop a feel for good and bad sources

It is an important task for parents to educate adolescents to consume media responsibly and consciously. Experts agree: demonising or even banning social media is not very helpful. They are part of the environment of children and young people. But the discussion about dubious content is important.
If there is disagreement about the truth of a report, researching facts together in the form of entertaining detective work can help to develop a sense of good and bad sources. Parents should not insist on their point of view, but try to find the truth together with their children.
Last but not least, of course, it helps if there is a reputable newspaper in the household, which young people like to take a look at as they get older. This may cost something, but it is a good investment in the future voters of our country.

On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life. swisscom.ch/medienstark