Children are surrounded by posts, videos, memes, ads, influencers, search results, games, and AI-generated content. Media literacy helps them slow down, think critically, recognise persuasion, and make better choices online.

Fake news is false or misleading information presented as if it were real news. It may be created to attract attention, make money, influence opinion, damage reputations, or spread confusion.

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information shared without necessarily intending to deceive. A person may spread misinformation because they believe it is true, did not check it, or misunderstood the original source.

Disinformation is false information shared deliberately to mislead, manipulate, or influence others. Unlike misinformation, disinformation involves intent to deceive.

Children can check who created the information, where it came from, whether other reliable sources confirm it, when it was published, and whether it is trying to make them react quickly or emotionally.

The R.A.P.P.E.R. framework is a simple way to help children question media messages. It encourages them to look at Reliability, Author, Purpose, Perspective, Evidence, and Response before accepting or sharing information.

Influencers can shape what children notice, admire, buy, copy, or believe. Their content may feel personal and friendly, but it can also include advertising, sponsorships, trends, opinions, and carefully edited versions of reality.

Fiction can place young readers inside a mystery, rumour, viral post, or manipulated message. As characters investigate what is true, children learn to question sources, motives, evidence, and emotional reactions without feeling lectured.

AI can create realistic images, videos, voices, articles, and answers that may look trustworthy but still be false, biased, or incomplete. Media literacy helps children question what they see, verify information, and think before believing or sharing.