Find the exact claim

Research context: Ofcom reported in 2025 that 72% of teens ages 13–17 who used social media or messaging platforms said they helped them feel closer to friends. Source: Ofcom: From apps to AI search — how the UK goes online in 2025.

Ask the child what the message says will happen, to whom, and when. Separate the factual claim from the sender’s reaction or request to share it widely. Look for an original link, publication date, or named organization. A screenshot without context may make it difficult to tell whether the information is current or even concerns the same place. Do not ask the child to contact an unfamiliar account to investigate.

Check an appropriate source

Open the relevant organization’s official information through a known route rather than following an unfamiliar shortened link. For a school notice, use the school’s normal communication channel. For another topic, identify the primary source that would actually know. If the claim involves medical, legal, or emergency matters, seek the qualified or official guidance appropriate to that issue. Avoid turning a quick check into a search for whichever result confirms the most dramatic version of the message.

Respond without expanding the rumor

A short “I could not confirm that from the school’s notice” may be enough when an appropriate response is useful. You do not need to repost the full screenshot to explain why it is uncertain. If the claim is confirmed, share the official source with the necessary context through the appropriate channel. If it remains unclear, leave it unshared. The goal is to make the next person better informed, not to be the first person who passes along a worrying message.

Common questions

What is this guide’s main recommendation?

Do not forward a claim simply because it feels urgent or came from a familiar contact. Ask where the information originated and whether a relevant primary source supports it. If you cannot verify it, keep the uncertainty explicit and avoid spreading it to more people. For an immediate real-world safety concern, use the appropriate trusted adult or official channel instead of relying on a group-chat rumor.

What should a caregiver do first?

Identify the exact claim and date.