Overview
In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on how people consume news.
They will be able to describe what “fake news” means and analyse the how it affects individuals and society. They will also discover a number of strategies for spotting fake news stories and fighting misinformation and/or disinformation online.
Ultimately, the session asks them to consider who should be held accountable for monitoring fake news.
Acknowledgment:
These teaching and learning resources were developed in partnership with the global firm, FTI Consulting. We are grateful for their support in boosting young people’s awareness of our democracy, and the ways we can work together to strengthen society for everybody.

More Lessons resources
Sexting and the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores what the law says in relation to the sending of sexually explicit images by those aged under 18. The lesson examines two scenarios of young people involved…
How Do You Feel Today?
In this lesson pupils will read about Mitali and his concerns for his friend Anna, who appears to be withdrawn and unhappy. Pupils will consider what can make people feel…
Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)
In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the…
More Digital Citizenship resources
Being An Online Citizen
During this lesson pupils consider their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, focusing on how the online world can be used as a force for good. Pupils consider what skills,…
Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear
A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson, students will learn about the impact that filter bubbles might have…
Digital Footprints
In this lesson, pupils explore what a digital footprint is. They consider what is and isn’t appropriate to share online thinking about the impact of this information both now and…
More Politics and Democracy resources
All at Sea: a story about fairness and the rule of law
During this lesson pupils use the story ‘All at Sea’ to explore how a group of citizens should organise a new society under a challenging set of circumstances. Each chapter…
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future generations. By the end of the lesson students will be able…
You Decide! (KS4)
This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different industries and the impact this would have on the economy and…
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
Migration of People
To help you engage your students in the topic of migration Young Citizens have developed a flexible teaching resource for delivery during curricular or extra-curricular sessions. This resource: explores the…
Local and Central Government
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the concept of democracy. Each pack can be delivered independently of each…
Making a Difference From Home
Our packs support KS2 and KS3 pupils to plan and deliver their very own mini social action project. By...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
How to share learning with your peers
Originally designed to be a companion pack for the Democracy Ambassadors programme, this handy toolkit will support students who...
Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…
Ethics, Innovation and the Law
Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has on them and society Learn about the laws that regulate the…