Misinformation, Conspiracy Theories & AI: Are Schools Ready? | Michael Kane
In this episode, we're joined by Michael Kane, Policy Manager at Public First and one of the lead researchers behind the Commission into Countering Online Conspiracies in Schools. Drawing on new national research with pupils, parents and teachers, Michael explores the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy beliefs among young people, and what this means for schools. From deepfakes and AI-generated content to online conspiracy theories and extremist narratives, schools are increasingly finding themselves on the front line of a rapidly changing digital landscape. As smartphones become more common at younger ages and social media continues to shape how young people consume information, teachers are being asked to navigate complex conversations that many feel underprepared for. Michael shares insights from the Commission's latest report, including the impact misinformation is having on classrooms, the challenges teachers face when responding to false or misleading content, and why media literacy is becoming an increasingly important part of education. We explore: • Why young people are finding it harder than ever to tell what's real and fake online • The growing influence of AI-generated content, deepfakes and misinformation • What teachers are hearing from pupils in classrooms across the country • Why misinformation and conspiracy theories are becoming a bigger issue in schools • The impact smartphones and social media are having on younger children • Why many teachers feel underprepared to tackle these conversations • The challenges schools face around political impartiality and safeguarding • What the latest updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education mean for schools • The role parents play in helping young people navigate online information • Why media literacy needs to be a whole-school priority • What practical steps leaders can take to better support staff and pupils This is a timely and thought-provoking conversation for trust leaders, school leaders and anyone interested in helping young people navigate an increasingly complex digital world. LINKS For more on how The Key can support your trust, visit: key.sc/trustsupport Subscribe to our newsletter, Trust Matters: key.sc/trustmatters Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: / michael-kane-76058018b All views expressed in this episode are the guest’s own. Any mention of commercial providers, resources or products is on the guest’s recommendation and should not be considered an endorsement by The Key.
