Wexford schools encouraged to help pupils tackle misinformation and fake news online

Primary schools across County Wexford are being encouraged to sign up to a programme aimed at teaching children how to recognise misinformation and disinformation online.

European Movement Ireland says the issue is becoming increasingly important as children turn to the internet and artificial intelligence to learn about the world around them.

According to figures cited by the organisation from CyberSafeKids 55% of primary school children aged between eight and twelve are now using AI.

The Blue Star Programme has developed an interactive Media Literacy Series which aims to help teachers introduce discussions around misinformation, disinformation and fake news in the classroom.

The video series encourages pupils to question the information they encounter online and develop the skills needed to distinguish between reliable and misleading material.

David Geary, CEO of European Movement Ireland, said the growth of digital technology had brought significant benefits but also new risks for children.

He said younger pupils would grow up in a world very different to that experienced by their parents and needed to be equipped to recognise attempts to manipulate or mislead them online.

The wider Blue Star Programme also aims to increase children's understanding of the European Union through projects and classroom activities which can be adapted by individual teachers.

Fourteen schools in County Wexford participated in the programme last year.

It is open to pupils from junior infants through to sixth class and is available to primary schools across the country, including Gaelscoileanna and DEIS schools.

European Movement Ireland is the national implementation body for the Blue Star Programme, which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Further information and details on how schools can participate are available through the Blue Star Programme website.