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
COP: Climate Action
In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…
Who’s Really Paying for COVID?
Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
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,…
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…
Mock Parliament Debate
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...
More Politics and Democracy resources
Where do you stand?
Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider topical issues related to their school life. Pupils will consider the strength of arguments for and against…
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…
Local and Central Government
This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources
Tackling Discrimination (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson asks students to explore whether or not we have a moral or legal obligation to tackle discrimination when we see it. It can be delivered as a stand-alone…
What is Democracy?
This resource pack is the first of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
What is a Political Party?
This resource pack is the fourth of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson introduces students to the concepts of their legal rights and responsibilities and explores how the law impacts their daily lives. Students explore the different ages that various laws…
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…
An Introduction to Human Rights
In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...