Children 'need to be taught critical literacy skills to spot fake news'
Schools need to dedicate more time to equipping their students with the ability to recognise fake news when they see it, according to a new report.
The National Literacy Trust has published 'Fake News and Critical Literacy: An Evidence Review', which has raised concerns that digital and social media is enabling fake news to spread at an unprecedented rate, undermining democracy, confidence in governance and trust in journalism.
Of particular concern is the fact that more young people than ever are using digital media as their main source of news, with one in five children believing everything they read online is true.
Primary and secondary school teachers were identified as being ideally placed to help children develop the critical literacy skills needed to help children escape the influence of fake news by recognising the difference between fact and opinion, understanding how authors use language to influence a reader, and making reasoned arguments.
However, it also noted that a lack of teacher training, resources and confidence means they are not able to fulfil this role to the extent that might be desired, which is why the government is currently taking steps to tackle the problem.
Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, said: "In this digital age, children who can't question and determine the reliability of the information they find online will be hamstrung - at school, at work and in life.
"We believe that teachers are the key to boosting children's critical literacy skills, but they can't do this without the proper training, support and resources."
In response to the report, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Literacy has launched a commission on fake news and the teaching of critical literacy skills in schools, which will gather evidence from schoolchildren, education professionals, policymakers and the media before making a series of recommendations in summer 2018.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£180 - 200 per day
Location free text
Bovington Camp
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Dorset
Description
Mechanics Lead (4 Week Placement) Bovington, Dorset | November 2026 Start - Apply today or call 01202 558848 and ask for Himaya. The Opportunity Teaching Personnel are seeking a skilled Mechanics L
Reference
HK1164
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Education Tutors – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Kettering and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary and flexible assignments, with opportunities for longer-term and permanent roles Wor
Reference
A125/Kettering
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Supply Teaching Assistant – Northampton Road, Kettering Job Title: Supply Teaching Assistant Location: Northampton Road, Kettering Salary: Competitive rates of pay (Depending on experience) Contract:
Reference
TA - OLICAT3
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Peterborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Peterborough
Description
1:1 Tutors Required – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Peterborough and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible temporary assignments, with potential for long-term and permanent opportunities Wor
Reference
A124/Peterborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Bedford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Bedford
Description
Supply Teaching Assistant – Polhill Avenue, BedfordJob Title: Supply Teaching Assistant Location: Polhill Avenue, Bedford Salary: Competitive rates of pay (Depending on experience) Contract: Temporary
Reference
TA - OLICAT2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Brackley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutors Wanted – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Brackley and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible temporary placements, with opportunities for long-term and permanent work Working Hours:
Reference
A123/Brackley
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Northampton
Description
Supply Teaching Assistant – Grange Road, NorthamptonJob Title: Supply Teaching Assistant Location: Grange Road, Northampton Salary: Competitive rates of pay (Depending on experience) Contract: Tempora
Reference
TA - OLICAT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£160 - 225 per day
Location free text
Wolverhampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Wolverhampton
Description
Supply Teacher – Mainstream Primary SchoolLocation: WolverhamptonWorking Hours: Flexible (8:30am-3:30pm)Salary: Competitive, dependent on experienceAre you a qualified primary teacher looking for flex
Reference
SupplyteacherWV
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham PrimaryAuthor
Birmingham PrimarySalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Wellingborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Education Tutors – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Wellingborough and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary, flexible placements with opportunities for long-term and permanent roles Worki
Reference
A122/Wellingborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£150 - 330 per day
Location free text
Bracknell
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Bracknell
Description
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) - Bracknell Location: Bracknell, Berkshire Position: SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) Contract: Full-Time, Permanent Start Date: ASAP / Ja
Reference
SENDCO
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job