Fake news, propaganda, misinformation: the media, says one prominent journalist, has reached its ‘nadir’. And another columnist says children should be taught to separate fact from fiction. The Day reports on recent debate over how – and whether – to train people to tackle misinformation and fake news, especially children and young people. New technology means this generation – that’s you, BHS pupils! – consumes its news very differently to those who came before you — which means you face unique challenges in digesting information.

“Great idea, say supporters. The problem could have scary implications: people will respond defensively to non-existent threats and fail to act on real ones. People of all political persuasions should support critical thinking and a respect for objective truth. The marketplace of free expression only works if we can differentiate between fact and fiction.

Be careful, warn others. Education cannot change the natural human urge to confirm our own worldview and preconceptions. Many people now define ‘fake news’ far too broadly. And if we empower people to tell us how to think, they will tell us what to think: subjective opinions will be presented as objective truths. This may make things worse.”

Where do you stand on the debate?