School Misinformation
What's Happening at Your Child's School
Even though we come from different walks of life, everyone wants the best for our children. Support can be the difference between a thriving child and a struggling one. Giving kids the support they need at school is essential to their welfare and development.
Every child deserves a quality education. A school’s job is to make that a reality. Schools want children of all backgrounds to have safe and productive places to learn. Let’s keep that in mind for the well-being of all our children.
A new school policy might feel jarring or confusing; that’s understandable. As you dive into learning more about it, work to find information that is unbiased and timely.
Use these tips to double-check the information you receive about what’s happening at your child’s school.
False Information, Misinformation and Disinformation
All parents are on the same side: the side of our children. When we start our interactions with our shared values in mind, it makes it easier for us to relate as parents. Let's remember that we all want what's best for our kids.
It’s easy to run into false information. To combat it, double-check the details, find the source, and figure out if the person shared the information in good faith.
Look at the whole picture when trying to understand a school program. Asking these questions can help you see alternative perspectives.
Checking What You Find Online
Not every social media post you find is meant to inform; some are meant to excite. If you see a post that makes you feel a strong emotion, it’s likely not worth your time. Check out this quick video from FactCheck.org for more tips.
Our networks are usually echo chambers, especially on social media. When you’re looking for information about a new school policy or program, don’t just rely on things you’ve heard through the grapevine. Verify your information for the good of your kids. Checking what you find online is important; it’s even more important when it concerns a school program.
We don’t have to agree on everything. However, we do have a responsibility to make sure that all children are cared for. Our personal opinions shouldn’t get in the way of that; let’s make sure they don’t by advocating for the well-being of all children.
Kids should learn in conditions that encourage and uplift them. We can make sure that happens by backing school programs and policies that foster well-being and connection. Our kids deserve it.
Cracking the Code on Media Literacy
As parents, we care a lot about what happens at school and what our children are exposed to, both in and out of the classroom. That's why it’s so important for us to learn how to carefully consider the information we consume and in turn, teach our kids to do the same. This art of thinking is called “media literacy.”
In this guide, you’ll learn how to ask the right questions and how to use media literacy in real-world situations. You'll also find some helpful resources to help you and your family navigate raising kids in the digital age.
This project was supported by the CDC Foundation by way of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and as part of a financial assistance award totaling $477,893 and is 100% funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.