In keeping up to date with Science news I came across an article talking about a study done by Stanford University. When shown a bunch of news sites, up to 80% of students could not distinguish between fake 'news' and real 'news'.
The study has yet to be replicated, but as an initial finding it is disturbing. I take it for granted that some items presented as news is not. I take it for granted that 'sponsored content' may not be accurate and will likely be very biased. This makes it more pressing that students be able to evaluate sources and recognise bias.
https://sheg.stanford.edu/upload/V3LessonPlans/Executive%20Summary%2011.21.16.pdf
It is especially important to inculculate this into students in the junior school as so little time is available to teach anything other than the content they need to pass achievement standards in the senior school. In addition, the ability to critically review the places they are getting their information from is a skill that will be much more valuable to many than the knowledge on how to safely light a bunsen. Although that skill is transferable to lighting gas hobs and barbecues.
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