The Stonar Way 17.10.25

Our excellent Head of Computer Science and Online Safety Lead, Mr Cole, recently shared with me a fascinating website called ‘Spot the Troll’. It challenges users to decide whether different social media accounts are genuine or fake — and it’s much harder than it first appears! We tried a few examples together in assembly this week, and the pupils engaged realty well on which accounts could be trusted, and it led to some thoughtful reflections about how we all use the internet. I’d highly recommend families try it at home — it’s fun, interactive, and raises some very timely questions.

What makes this activity so valuable is that it encourages us to think carefully about where our news and information come from, and how we decide what to believe. In an age where so much of what we see online is designed to influence us, the ability to question and cross-check is an essential life skill. This ties into a wider theme I’ve been exploring with pupils: how many of us really follow the news, and how well do we verify what we see on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or X? We talked in assembly about tools such as BBC Verify, which does excellent work explaining how journalists confirm facts and uncover misinformation.

I would also encourage parents to help their children engage with the news from an early age. Listening to Radio 4 together in the car on the way to school, or reading the junior version of The Week or watching Newsround, are all simple ways to start. These moments spark curiosity, build confidence, and help children form their own informed opinions — something that will serve them well throughout their time at Stonar and beyond.