Schools Will Teach Children to Spot ‘Fake News and Conspiracy Theories’

A campaigner has raised concerns over plans to teach children how to spot so-called “fake news” and “extremist” content online, saying this could make the government the “arbiter of truth” and deter the brightest young minds from questioning official narratives. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced plans to review the curriculum in primary and secondary schools to embed “critical thinking” across multiple subjects and arm children against what she labelled as “putrid conspiracy theories.” Phillipson told The Sunday Telegraph: “It’s more important than ever that we give young people the knowledge and skills to challenge what they see online. ‘Curriculum Review’ “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....