Empowering Children to Challenge the Authority of 'They': Teaching Critical Thinking in the Digital Age
- C.L. Huckaby
- Jul 19, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 10
Every single day, we are bombarded with information from countless sources -social media, apps, websites, and more. Much of this information comes with a vague attribution to “they,” as in “They say…” or “They believe…”.
Teaching kids to question who “they” are is crucial for developing their critical thinking skills and ensuring they become discerning consumers of information. It is our responsibility to teach and provide them with multiple opportunities to build and utilize their critical thinking skills.
Here are a few quick tips to help us inspire the next generation to approach online content with a healthy dose of skepticism and curiosity.
The Importance of Questioning
First, it’s essential to explain to children why it’s important to question information. Not all sources are reliable, and misinformation can spread quickly online. By understanding the importance of questioning, kids can learn to identify credible sources and make informed decisions. Emphasize that questioning doesn’t mean being distrustful of everything, but rather seeking the truth and understanding the full context.
Identify the Source
Encourage kids to always look for the source of the information. Ask them: “Who are ‘they’?” Is it a reputable news organization, an expert in the field, or just someone with an opinion? Explain the difference between reliable sources and those that may have hidden agendas or lack expertise. For younger children, use simple examples: “If you heard something about a new movie from your best friend versus a stranger, whose opinion would you trust more?”
Evaluate the Credibility
Teach kids to evaluate the credibility of sources by checking the author’s qualifications and the publication’s reputation. Is the author an expert on the topic? Does the publication have a history of accurate reporting? Encourage them to look for multiple sources that confirm the same information. Explain that credible sources usually provide evidence and references to back up their claims.
Recognize Bias and Opinion
Help children understand the difference between fact and opinion. Social media is rife with opinions presented as facts, but many of our news media share opinion-based "news" rather than information based on facts with documented evidence. Show them how to recognize bias in writing and the importance of seeking out balanced perspectives. For example, if they read an article about a controversial topic, encourage them to find other articles that offer different viewpoints.
Critical Thinking: How to Ask the Right Questions
Equip kids with a set of critical questions to ask when encountering new information online:
- Who is the author or creator?
- What are their credentials?
- Why was this information shared? What was their motive?
- Who might benefit from this information?
- Are there supporting facts and references?
By routinely asking these questions, we can all develop a habit of critical thinking that will serve them well beyond their digital interactions.
Create Teachable Moments
Seize everyday opportunities to teach these skills. When your child or grandchild shares something with you that they saw online, discuss it together. Look up the source and evaluate it together. Praise them for being skeptical and looking for reliable information before forming an opinion.
Be open to sharing examples of times when you accepted something as a fact but later discovered it was false. Kids need to understand that adults can be misled, just like they can. By sharing a moment when you realized something wasn't true and how that realization affected you, you can help them see that everyone is vulnerable to misinformation.
Additional Resources
It is becoming increasingly difficult to know who to trust in the media and online. Click on a few sites below to help you learn how to separate fact from fiction:
ProCon (if you've ever competed in a Lincoln/Douglas Debate, you'll enjoy this one)