Children will be taught how to spot extremist content and fake news online under proposed changes to the school curriculum, the education secretary has said.
Bridget Phillipson said she is launching a review of the curriculum in both primary and secondary schools to embed critical thinking across multiple subjects and arm children against “putrid conspiracy theories”.
It means schoolchildren may analyse articles in English lessons to help learn how to them weed out fabricated clickbait from accurate reporting.
Computer lessons could teach them how to spot fake news sites and maths lessons could include analysing statistics in context.
Ms Phillipson told The Telegraph: “It’s more important than ever that we give young people the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge what they see online.
“That’s why our curriculum review will develop plans to embed critical skills in lessons to arm our children against the disinformation, fake news and putrid conspiracy theories awash on social media.
“Our renewed curriculum will always put high and rising standards in core subjects – that’s non-negotiable.”
She said the curriculum will also aim to widen students access to cultural subjects and “give pupils the knowledge and skills they need to thrive at work and throughout life”.
Riots broke out across the UK after misinformation spread online that a Muslim asylum seeker was the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said on Saturday that a total of 779 people have been arrested over the riots. Of those, 349 have been charged.
On Friday, two men were given jail time for using social media to encourage disorder.
Jordan Parlour was sentenced to 20 months after pleading guilty to publishing written material intended to stir racial hatred.
Tyler Kay was jailed for 38 months after using social media to encourage people to torch hotels housing asylum seekers.
It is believed the pair are the first to be sent to prison over social media posts made in relation to the nationwide riots.
Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Tory councillor, is due to appear in court on Monday after she was charged with stirring up racial hatred over a post she made on X.
The moderation and regulation of social media has also come under scrutiny after the recent rioting.
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New regulation of social media platforms – the Online Safety Act – became law in the UK last year but has not yet fully come into effect.
The law aims to impose rules on companies to keep inappropriate and potentially dangerous content away from vulnerable eyes.
Sir Keir Starmer hinted on Friday that he would look at strengthening social media regulations further after London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the act was not “not fit for purpose”.
