#CovConnects has been working closely with the University of Warwick’s Department of Psychology, the Centre for Business in Society, Coventry University, to hold digital literacy workshops.
Together, they recently held a workshop at Pathways Family Hub for young carers who are being supported by Carers Trust Heart of England, helping the young people to learn more about media literacy and pick up essential skills to combat fake news.
During the session the young carers played a variety of games aimed at helping them identify how images could be faked, how to recognise proper news sources and how AI could manipulate results.
The session was attended by a number of young carers with a variety of ages with the youngest being around 10.
We caught up with Ramona McGarry, a Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator, to find out more about the session and why it’s so important for young people to have those skills.
Watch the video on YouTube or below.
Jodie Cotterrell, a Young Carers Manager at Carers Trust Heart of England, said:
“Media literacy isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ for young carers, it’s a much-needed safeguarding skill”.
“Our young people are juggling school, undertaking their caring and navigating the online world.”
“This session provided them with the practical tools to spot misinformation, check sources, and understand how AI can alter images helping them feel safe and in control while online.”
“The best part of the session were the light-bulb moments, to see our Young Carers confidently challenging headlines and explaining why an image might be edited.”
“This builds on our wider digital inclusion work with #CovConnects and our university partners, and we hope to keep weaving these skills into our groups so young carers can use their voices, share their stories responsibly, and thrive on and offline.”
To find out more about how #CovConnects works with young people, visit our page on digital inclusion for young people.
Want to learn more about Carers Trust Heart of England? Visit their website.
Learn more about the research done at the University of Warwick and Coventry University
#CovConnects is Coventry City Council’s digital inclusion programme. It aims to support residents on their digital journeys, working in partnership with organisations both locally and nationally, improving access for all.
This session was partly sponsored by the Warwick Institute of Engagement.