Programme aims to help Kildare pupils tackle online misinformation and disinformation
The Blue Star Programme is an education initiative for primary school pupils in Ireland
With pushy social media algorithms and content generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the rise, it can be hard for people, of all ages, to tell what is real from what is not.
Given this reality, schools in County Kildare are being encouraged to sign up to a programme which teaches young people to recognise and tackle online misinformation and disinformation.
The call has been made by European Movement Ireland (EMI), which pointed to a finding that 55 per cent of primary school children aged eight to twelve now using AI.
According to EMI, which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Blue Star Programme’s ‘Media Literacy Series’ supports teachers in bringing conversations on misinformation and disinformation into the classroom.
In addition, the programme also focuses on helping pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the European Union (EU).
Speaking about the series, David Geary, the CEO of EMI, said: ‘The rapid growth of digital tools and technology has transformed how we live, learn, and communicate, bringing enormous benefits to society, and yet, the digital age also carries risks.”
He elaborated: “The rise of AI, misinformation, and fake news means people of all ages are increasingly exposed to manipulation by bad actors, with children being particularly vulnerable.
“Younger pupils will grow up in a world fundamentally different to their parents’ experience and its essential they are equipped to do so.”
However, Mr Geary also asserted that the series will help teach pupils ‘to question what they see, and distinguish between what is real and what is not’.
Moreover, teachers who participate in the programme can integrate its contents into their lesson plans, and specifically tailor the EU‑themed projects to their class needs.
The Blue Star Programme is open to all primary school ages from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to run in every school setting across Ireland, including island schools, Gaelscoileanna, and DEIS schools.
Anyone seeking further information about the Blue Star Programme can visit bluestarprogramme.ie.