If it feels like there’s always another headline, notification, or post demanding attention, you’re not imagining it. Students and adults alike are navigating a constant stream of news stories, social media posts, videos, and AI-generated content, often shared quickly and without much context.
Feeling unsure about what to trust is a normal response in today’s fast-paced digital world. Rather than expecting students to have all the answers, schools and families can work together to help them build something more important: the habit of slowing down, asking questions, and checking information thoughtfully.
A recent national report “Biased,” “Boring” and “Bad” from the News Literacy Project found that many teens today express broad distrust of news and media, often feeling that most information is biased or unreliable. In fact, 80% of the students surveyed said that journalists fail to produce information that is more impartial than
other content creators online. This shift highlights why teaching students how to evaluate information, rather than simply telling them what to trust is more important than ever.
During the week of February 2-6, 2026, educators and communities across the country will recognize National News Literacy Week, a time to reflect on how we consume, share, and make sense of information. It’s a helpful reminder that news literacy isn’t about memorizing rules, it’s about practicing curiosity and care.
Shifting the Question from “Is This True?” to “How Could I Check?”
One idea emphasized during National News Literacy Week, and by the News Literacy Project, is shifting how we approach information.
Instead of asking students to instantly decide whether something is true or false, we can encourage them to ask:
- How do I know what to trust here?
- What evidence is offered?
- What might be missing?
A strategy students are learning is lateral reading. This means:
- Leaving the original post, image, or article.
- Opening a new tab to look for additional context.
- Seeing what other credible, independent sources say.
These habits help students feel less pressure to react quickly and more confident in navigating complex information.
Common Sense Education: Two Truths and AI
To practice these skills, students may engage with Common Sense Education’s new interactive game, Two Truths and AI.
In the game, students are shown images or statements and asked to determine which are real and which may be AI-generated. Many are surprised by how convincing AI-generated content can be, especially when it includes realistic images or confident language.
The real value of the activity isn’t about getting the right answer. It’s about learning to:
- Slow down before deciding.
- Look closely for context and sourcing.
- Say, “I need more information before I’m confident.”
Families can extend this learning at home by asking:
- What made that example tricky?
- What would you want to check before sharing something like this?
- Did anything surprise you?
These conversations reinforce a message shared by both educators and news literacy experts: pausing is a strength, not a weakness.
Making Sense of What We See Online
During National News Literacy Week, educators can talk with students about how information spreads, not just what it says.
- Not all social media accounts are run by real people.
- Some posts are boosted by automated accounts, or bots.
- High likes or shares don’t necessarily mean something is true.
Understanding this helps take the pressure off. Students don’t need to keep up with trends or react instantly. Thoughtful evaluation matters more than popularity.
Learning Together, at School and at Home
The News Literacy Project emphasizes that news literacy isn’t just a classroom skill, it’s a life skill. Families play an important role, and you don’t need to be an expert to help.
A few conversation starters you might try:
- Who created this, and what do we know about them?
- What evidence is included and what’s missing?
- How does this make us feel before we even decide if it’s accurate?
Modeling calm curiosity helps students develop habits they’ll carry well beyond the classroom.
Want to Explore More?
Families who want to dig a little deeper can:
- Check out the News Literacy Project for student and family friendly resources on evaluating news and information
- Utilize Common Sense Education resources to help kids spot fake news and decode media messages:
- Ask their student about classroom conversations they are already having about checking sources and slowing down
Educators who want some guided lessons can explore these resources from Common Sense Education:
- Kindergarten – Fact or Fiction?
- 1st Grade – Fact vs. Opinion
- 2nd Grade – Exploring Search Results
- 3rd Grade – Finding the Source
- 4th Grade – S.I.F.T. for Sources
- 5th Grade – Media Frames: Looking Beyond Headlines
- 6th Grade – S.E.E.K.ing Information
- 7th Grade – Evaluating Information Online
- 8th Grade – What Is Critical Ignoring?
- 9th Grade – Hoaxes and Fakes
- 10th Grade – Challenging Confirmation Bias
- 11th Grade – Clicks for Cash
- 12th Grade – Filter Bubble Trouble
Helping students navigate today’s information landscape isn’t about avoiding technology, it’s about helping them use it thoughtfully, confidently, and responsibly.
