Newsroom
In Finland, teaching children how to spot fake news begins as early as preschool, and by the time students reach middle school, they’re adept at analyzing media with a critical eye. This pioneering approach to media literacy has helped Finland earn the top spot in Europe for resilience against misinformation for the fifth year running, according to the Open Society Institute.
Saara Martikka, a teacher in Hämeenlinna, offers a glimpse into the innovative lessons shaping her eighth graders. A typical class involves examining news articles or TikTok videos to determine their purpose, dissect claims, and question the motivations behind them. “Just because it’s a good thing or it’s a nice thing doesn’t mean it’s true or valid,” Martikka tells her students.
In one recent lesson, students analyzed TikTok videos, discussing their creators’ intentions and the emotional impact they had. Other teachers, like Anna Airas in Helsinki, take a hands-on approach by showing students how to manipulate photos and videos, revealing how easily information can be distorted.
Media Literacy: A National Priority
Finland's success in countering misinformation isn’t accidental. Media literacy is woven into the national core curriculum, starting in preschool. Teachers in all subjects—whether it’s mathematics or physical education—are encouraged to integrate media literacy into their lessons.
“Every teacher, no matter the subject, thinks about how to include these elements in their work with children,” says Leo Pekkala, director of Finland’s National Audiovisual Institute, which oversees media education.
This systematic effort began in earnest in 2013, partly in response to Russian disinformation campaigns. Finland, which shares an 833-mile border with Russia, has faced persistent propaganda efforts, especially as it bid to join NATO. But officials emphasize that the principles of teaching critical thinking remain unchanged.
How Finland Does It
Teachers have significant freedom to craft their lessons. Martikka encourages students to create their own manipulated videos to understand how easily reality can be altered. Airas has her class investigate how search algorithms can present skewed results.
During discussions on recent events, such as the war in Ukraine, teachers have used Russian state-sponsored news and memes to highlight propaganda tactics. Similarly, when Finland’s former prime minister, Sanna Marin, faced rumors after party videos leaked online, students learned how social media narratives can spiral into unfounded allegations.
Mari Uusitalo, a teacher in Helsinki, emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between social media content and traditional journalism. “They can’t understand fake news if they don’t grasp the relationship between social media and journalism,” she explains.
Building a Nation Resilient to Misinformation
Finland’s holistic approach is rooted in its strong education system, where teachers are respected, college is free, and trust in government remains high. The Finnish language itself offers an advantage, as poorly written articles by nonnative speakers often betray falsehoods.
Despite their digital savviness, today’s teens remain vulnerable to misinformation, particularly from social media. Studies suggest adolescence is a peak time for conspiracy beliefs, making Finland’s proactive education strategy all the more vital.
While younger generations are the primary focus, the Finnish government is extending these efforts to older citizens. Libraries now host programs to help adults navigate misleading online content.
Giving Students the Tools for Truth
The ultimate goal, teachers say, isn’t to shape students’ opinions but to arm them with tools to critically evaluate information. “I can’t make them think just like me,” Uusitalo notes. “I just have to give them the tools to make up their own opinions.”
As misinformation continues to spread globally, Finland’s model stands out as a beacon, proving that teaching truth from an early age can create a society better equipped to combat the challenges of a post-truth world.
With information from The New York Times
