Isca Students Learn to Spot Online Misinformation
Students at Isca Academy took part in the “Be Internet Citizens” programme, delivered in partnership with YouTube and Parent Zone, aimed at helping young people navigate the online world safely and confidently.
The sessions, brought to Exeter by local MP Steve Race, focused on helping students identify misinformation and disinformation online, recognise emotional manipulation, and develop stronger media literacy and critical thinking skills.
Students took part in a range of activities and discussions designed to help them question online content, assess the reliability of information and recognise AI-generated and social media-driven material.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of developing key life skills such as critical thinking, communication, organisation and informed decision-making, which support students in education, employment and everyday life.
Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the programme supports Isca Academy’s wider focus on preparing students for life beyond school.
One student said:
“The sessions were really good. We learned a lot about how easy it can be to believe things online without questioning them first. It was also really fun and supportive, and it made us think differently about social media and AI.”
Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Be Internet Citizens programme to Isca Academy, alongside a visit from local MP Steve Race. Helping young people develop the confidence and critical thinking skills to navigate online spaces safely has never been more important. Our students engaged brilliantly with the sessions, showing maturity, curiosity and creativity throughout, and the experience has provided them with valuable tools they can apply both in school and beyond.”
Steve Race. MP for Exeter, said:
“I was really pleased to welcome YouTube and Parent Zone to Exeter to deliver their brilliant programme, Be Internet Citizens, at Isca Academy.
“So much online content is questionable, especially with the rapid growth of AI, so it is vital that young people can work out what is real and accurate, and what is not.
“How we best protect children online is one of the most challenging questions of our digital age. It’s also one of the most important, as the impacts can reverberate throughout people’s lives. It was fantastic to see the young people at Isca engaging thoughtfully and creatively with the session, which will set up them up not just to be smart internet citizens, but with transferrable skills that will help them to excel in their life offline and in the workplace, too.”
