We live in a time when it’s essential to question everything we see online — from articles and headlines to viral images and videos. With advanced editing tools and AI-generated content becoming more accessible, it’s harder than ever to tell what’s real and what’s fake.
Misinformation is spreading rapidly across social media platforms — often through manipulated visuals that seem convincing at first glance. If your family relies on digital devices for news, it’s crucial to equip your children with the skills to spot false or misleading content early on.
Here’s how you can help your child become more media-literate and spot fake images before they go viral.
1. Start With Simple Questions
Encourage your child not to take every image or video at face value. Instead, teach them to pause and ask a few basic questions to assess credibility:
When was the image taken?
Look for clues like timestamps, weather conditions, or clothing in the background. For example, if someone posts a photo claiming it’s a current holiday in Australia, check whether people are dressed for summer — or if the image may have been taken in a different season.
Where was the image taken?
Can you identify the location through signs, landmarks, or language on storefronts? Zoom in to see if anything reveals where the photo was actually captured.
Does the lighting look natural?
Check for inconsistencies in lighting and shadows. If objects next to each other are lit differently, it could be a sign that the image has been edited or manipulated.
2. Use Reverse Image Search Tools
Reverse image search tools allow you to check where an image has appeared online before — helping you verify whether it’s being used out of context.
Google Reverse Image Search
Google’s tool can be accessed from a browser:
- Save the image or copy the image URL
- Visit images.google.com
- Tap the camera icon to upload an image or paste the URL
- Google will show where the image has been used before, helping you trace its origins and context
Tip: On mobile, you may need to request the desktop version of the site to access the camera search icon.
3. Try TinEye
TinEye is another free reverse image search tool that’s especially useful for checking how long an image has been online and what versions exist.
To use TinEye:
- Save or download the image
- Go to www.tineye.com in your browser
- Upload the image or paste the image URL
- Filter the results by “Oldest” to see when and where it first appeared
This is particularly helpful when an old image is being recirculated during current events.
4. Talk About Algorithms and Echo Chambers
Social media platforms don’t show content at random. What your child sees is based on their viewing history, likes, and interactions — creating a personalised news feed that often reinforces their existing views. This is called an “echo chamber,” and it makes it easier for misinformation to spread unchecked.
Help your child understand that:
- The content they see is curated by algorithms
- Not all stories appear because they are important — some appear simply because they are engaging
- Exposure to diverse sources helps create a more balanced view of the world
5. Encourage Responsible Sharing
Teach your child to stop and think before sharing:
- Who posted this?
- Is the source reliable?
- Can it be confirmed elsewhere?
Let them know it’s okay not to know the answer — but it’s not okay to share something that might be untrue.
6. Build Critical Thinking Early
The goal isn’t to make children cynical — it’s to help them be curious and informed. Help them develop a habit of asking questions, verifying facts, and recognising when something doesn’t quite add up.
Remind them that:
- Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s true
- Images can be edited and videos can be staged
- Trustworthy news often comes from established sources with a track record of accuracy
Why It Matters
Fake images and videos have been linked to real-world harm — from political misinformation to public panic and even violence. Teaching your children to question what they see online is one of the most important digital skills you can give them.
