Misleading Media?

This week in our assemblies we have been developing our critical thinking skills to explore and question what we see and read in the media and on social media. We recapped the SMART rules (see below) for staying safe online, focusing on R for Reliable. We thought about how we can examine the information that is presented to us: Stop - before we share/post something; Question - who has written it and why? is it an advert?; Check - the URL, look at other websites and ask a trusted adult; Decide - whether to share or ignore. 

S - Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you’re chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone numbers and passwords.

M - Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous; not everyone online is who they say they are. Only do so with your parents’ or carers’ permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time. If you like chatting online it’s best to only chat to your real world friends and family.

A - Accepting emails, instant and direct messages, or opening files, images or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

R – Information on the internet may not always be true; it may be factually incorrect, out of date, or reflect someone’s personal opinion or beliefs. Anyone can put information on the internet, so always check by looking at other websites, in books, or with someone who knows.

T - Tell a parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone, or something, makes you feel upset, worried or uncomfortable, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online. You can also report the behaviour of others to the sites, games and services that you are using.