In the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidance (published on 1st September), ‘Misinformation, disinformation (including fake news) and conspiracy theories’ were clarified as safeguarding harms (page 38, paragraph 135). So how can technology help schools to tackle these safeguarding harms?
Defining misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories
Firstly, you be wondering what the difference is between misinformation and disinformation. These are often used interchangeably but they do not mean the same thing.
While both terms refer to fake news/information, there is a key difference. Misinformation refers to fake news/information that is created and spread in error. It could be that information was taken out of context so isn’t accurate or there is some kind of mistake in the information. On the other hand, disinformation is fake news/information that is created intentionally. The creator knows its false. In fact, it’s possible perpetrators could even be profiting from sharing this false information in some way.
Conspiracy theories are the belief that’ certain events of situations are secretly manipulated behind the scenes by powerful forces with negative intent.’ For example, a popular conspiracy theory amongst young people is that the moon landing was a hoax.
How can technology help educators tackle these safeguarding harms?
Whilst technology can be used to create and spread misinformation and disinformation, there are also positive ways technology can be used to help tackle these harms.
For example, safeguarding tools can support by:
- helping teachers monitor what websites and applications students are using so they can check that students are using more reputable sources of information,
- enabling safeguarding staff to track concerning key words and phrases that could indicate students have been absorbing this kind of information,
- restricting the websites and applications students are using to ensure they are not only appropriate to their work but are more reliable sources.
Check out NetSupport DNA and classroom.cloud to discover how these tools can help your school.