Schools in UAE to teach students how to spot 'fake news'

Pupils attending International Baccalaureate schools will be taught the new course ‘Digital Society’

Students in the United Arab Emirates will soon start learning about 'fake news' as part of a new requirement in their curriculum.

Pupils attending International Baccalaureate schools, according to a Khaleej Times report, will be educated on how to identify genuine and false news stories, along with the impact fake news can have on a person's life.

The term “fake news” went mainstream during the 2016 US presidential campaign when hundreds of websites and social media accounts published false or biased stories. It has been under the spotlight worldwide since then.



The new subjects are applicable to thousands of pupils enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and career-related programmes across UAE schools.

The topics fall under a new course called Digital Society launched by the IB board. It will teach students the importance of ethical, social and cultural understanding of technology and media.