A lack of media literacy teaching in schools means teens might believe conspiracy theories. Nearly 80% of teens (13-18-year-olds) come across conspiracy theories on social media, with 20% seeing them daily. And though most don’t believe them all, 81% of teens are led to believe at least one is true. Despite this, literacy education in schools is lacking—only a few states have guidelines for it, and just three require it in educational settings. In the 2023-24 school year, fewer than 40% of teens received media literacy instruction, unfortunately leaving many without the tools to critically analyze online content. This lack of education raises concerns as teens increasingly encounter misleading information online. (Fast Company)
📊 YPulse data: 74% of 13-17-year-olds agree, “I have been fooled by a fake news story before”
