UK Schools to Combat Fake News in Curriculum

In response to recent far-right riots fueled by misinformation on social media, the UK government, led by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, has launched a review to incorporate critical thinking skills into the primary and secondary school curriculum. This initiative aims to help students identify extremist content and fake news online, integrating these skills into subjects like English, ICT, and maths. The violent unrest, exacerbated by false claims about a stabbing incident in Southport, has highlighted the need for such educational reforms. Chief Constable Gavin Stephens of the National Police Chiefs' Council underscored the real-world consequences of online disinformation and called for greater vigilance. The curriculum overhaul will emphasize high standards in core subjects while broadening students' access to cultural education and critical thinking skills to prepare them for life and work.