Misinformation on social media: what parents need to know

The digital era has brought unprecedented access to information into our homes, even into our pockets. But for all the convenience of having so much unfiltered information at our fingertips, it is often difficult to know which sources are trustworthy, reliable and accurate.

This webinar asks the question: how can we support our young people as they are exposed to misinformation online?

As their brains are still developing, young people’s capacity for critical thought has yet to reach its full potential. Separating fact from fiction can become a difficult task in the face of advertisements, social media posts and articles that target them directly.

Speakers at this event will explain how misinformation affects the brain, discuss ways to support the young people in your life to reduce access and mitigate risks, and detail research that has investigated the benefits and costs of social media on young minds. This will conclude with a live Q+A.

Panellists for this event include:

• Professor Ullrick Ecker: a world-leading expert on human memory and the effects of misinformation on reasoning and decision making.
• PhD candidate Rigel Paciente: a researcher at The Kids investigating the impacts of social media, including TikTok, on young people, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community.
• PhD candidate Ezra Kneebone: a researcher monitoring The Kids' cyber safety app for parents, Beacon.

You will also hear a parent's perspective at this webinar, which will be facilitated by Embrace Co-Director Professor Jeneva Ohan.

Email embrace@thekids.org.au if you have any questions.