The internet is a great source of information that is free and available to anyone and everyone who has access to a computer. This means that we can find whatever we want on a huge number of topics and search for information from any part of the world without leaving our desks. But how do we know if any of this information is going to be any good? How can we tell whether the source is to be trusted, is reliable and well informed?

More importantly, how can your child make well-informed judgements about issues and events if they are not getting reliable, unbiased information to help them make their choices?

If you have difficulty with this yourself, you will be able to find some answers in this unit and help your child to do the same.

This unit suggests some key questions thParent at you can use to check sources of information on the web for accuracy and reliability. It shows you what you can do to find out who the authors of the site are, as well as their intentions in publishing this material.

The unit includes looking at information on the controversial topic of abortion to illustrate how information can be biased and reflect personal opinion rather than fact. This exercise is especially important for young learners who need to be able to make up their own minds about controversial subjects after learning all the facts from impartial sources.

If you want to help your child, you can begin by discussing the issues and events that you come across in the news or in your everyday life. Try keeping a balance of opinions on things and show both sides of the argument. That doesn't mean not having any strong opinions, but rather showing that opinions you hold are the result of having considered all the options in an argument.