Teenagers become factual checkers: dpa's new network in Europe

In times when the Internet is flooded with information, the false reports and fake news will combat the key to our youth! The German Press Agency (dpa) is now unpacking the challenge and expanding its exciting teen fact checking network (TFCN) throughout Europe. Here is all the information you need to know!

More and more teenagers get their information from social networks such as Tikkok and YouTube - but these platforms are not only with exciting content, but also filled with dangerous false news! The TFCN gives young people the opportunity to become active themselves and make the web a safer place by checking false claims and sharing their results in gripping videos.

How does it work?

As part of workshops, the fourteen to nineteen-year-old participants are shown how they can expose disinformation. Professional journalists from the dpa are at your side. Over the course of 18 months, the teens develop their own fact check videos on topics that affect them directly. From nutrition tips to political elections: everything is treated here!

Cooperation is the key! With partners from Spain, Bulgaria, Austria, Finland and Portugal, not only the network is increased, but also developed teaching material that can be used specifically in media literacy lessons. The application phase runs until October 20, 2024 - so be quick!

"The enthusiasm of the young people is overwhelming!" Says Teresa Dapp from the dpa. "We want to bring the concept with the already existing initiatives from the USA, where the network was launched in 2019, continue to take to Europe and include even more countries!"

The commitment of the teenagers is not only important, but also trend -setting for the future: In a world full of disinformation, such initiatives are essential! They learn to act critically and to actively counter false reports. The TFCN could be the revolutionary approach that we urgently need!

TEENAGE between 14 and 19 years old who gain a foothold and at the same time want to change the world of social media should not hold back. Further details about the application and initiative can be found on the dpa website - be part of the change!