Resource

Fake News: The Evolution of Media

Is there an alternative to a “post-truth” world?

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

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Fake News

In this lesson pupils will learn what is meant by ‘fake news’ and the risks that it poses to them and society. Pupils will be introduced to the concept of…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Climate Change

Learners explore what climate change is and what is causing it.  They consider who is responsible for climate change:  individuals, politicians, businesses?  They are then challenged to think of a…

Lessons, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Exploring Our Community

In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…

More Digital Citizenship resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

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…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

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…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS3 (ages 11-14)

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…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Law in Wales

Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In Wales you can legally leave full-time education at sixteen, whereas in…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Create a Local Council Budget

Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working in teams, students evaluate the local needs and priorities of the…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

The Economy Quiz

In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz all about the economy. Before delivering this activity, students will need…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2026/27: Preparation Resources (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)

List of Preparation Resources School Guide – These guides contains all of the information to support the lead teacher and support teachers in preparing for the competition. Logistics Workshop Resources…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Create a Local Council Budget

Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working...

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

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…

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change

In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate crisis. Help your students understand the impact the COP26 had and…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Fake News: The Evolution of Media

In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock Parliament Debate

Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a two hour period and is split into three parts: Part 1:…

Related content

Democracy resources for ages 11-18

Political resources for secondary and post –16 students.