You may have read, seen or heard a variety of upsetting reports recently. From sports to politics and social issues, both across the world and closer to home.
As a young person, you may be feeling upset, confused, worried, anxious, overwhelmed and concerned by the things you’re seeing online or hearing from those around you. It’s important to know that you are not alone. Your feelings matter and it’s okay to have these feelings.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of links, resources and other information to help you make sense of what’s happening in the world. It’s very easy for information to be fabricated, and it’s important that you feel supported to critically analyse what you are consuming, both online and offline. And to understand the difference between Misinformation, Disinformation and Malinformation.
We’ve also included some links to resources by some of the UK’s leading mental health charities.
Sometimes it might be difficult to know whether what you read, hear or see online is true or not. This handy video created by Shout Out UK helps to explain misinformation, disinformation and malinformation – what they are and the differences between them, as well as some examples.
Shout Out UK also have lots of other free resources for young people about media literacy and political literacy for you to explore.
Internet Matters is an organisation which supports parents and professionals with resources to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety.
They have a fun quiz you can do with your family or a supporting adult to learn and test your knowledge on what fake news, disinformation and misinformation is and how to stop it from spreading.
There are several charities and organisations out there to help young people who are struggling with how they are feeling. See below to go directly to each charity’s support and advice content.
Young Minds have practical guides and advice that you can access on their website.
Mind has information on their website for young people aged 11-18 if you need help or support with how you are feeling.
The Mix has written a helpful blog with advice if the news is making you feel anxious.
