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
Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…
Home Learning Pack
This home-learning pack has been designed to support SMSC, Citizenship and PSHE learning within a home environment. All the activities described have been taken from Go-Givers resources and adapted to…
More Digital Citizenship resources
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,...
Controversial issues: guidance for schools
Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…
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
Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 1)
Pupils will learn that public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes to the government. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.
Local and Central Government
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
Citizenship: a privilege or a right?
Students research what the law says about the rights of individuals to become UK citizens and critically examine whether...
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
Law in Wales
Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
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...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…
What is Media Bias?
During this lesson students explore what bias within the media is and how it differs from fake news. They...
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
More resource packs
Related content
Democracy resources for ages 11-18
Political resources for secondary and post –16 students.