Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think if you're a teacher, you challenge any conspiracy theory nonsense in class?

90 replies

Datgal · 22/07/2024 16:38

I was wondering this recently. In aibu for traffic (debated chat).

However, I know a child who just copies what parent says about stuff. COVID doesn't exist, suncream is dangerous, and the latest one, Biden is a robot 🤣. Parents are flat earthers etc.

Anyway, in all seriousness I suppose this is how lunatics start off and you can't really blame them if they're being brought up with these views... I'd love to know that if you as a rational thinking teacher heard these, do you say anything? Or do you leave well alone...

OP posts:
isitfridaay · 22/07/2024 16:48

We have a PHSE topic on this - a few lessons of it in year 10.

Students know more than me about it.

In 20 years I've never had to challenge it. I unlike racism.

It's a theory after all.

I teach humanities and challenge racism everyday.

TooTiredOfThisShit · 22/07/2024 16:48

Anything potentially dangerous (Andrew tate/incel type talk) would be shut down if necessary, and referred to DSL. But I'm not getting involved in a spontaneous debate when I'm meant to be teaching simultaneous equations.

hildabaker · 22/07/2024 16:47

My message was to @OhmygodDont 😂

Smidgers · 22/07/2024 16:47

hildabaker · 22/07/2024 16:43

Geez, something else that is the responsibility of teachers to sort out. Shove a broom up my arse and I'll sweep the floor too while I'm there.

I was just about to post something similar.

@Datgal so how would you approach the conspiracy theories about Jay Slater? Absolutely no-one knows the truth so how do you challenge something like this?

Original poster
Datgal · 22/07/2024 16:45

hildabaker · 22/07/2024 16:43

Geez, something else that is the responsibility of teachers to sort out. Shove a broom up my arse and I'll sweep the floor too while I'm there.

Oh chill out. I was only asking 🍹

OP posts:
TooTiredOfThisShit · 22/07/2024 16:44

Absolute minefield. I shut down all conversation that's unrelated to the work we're doing, but I defo wouldn't actively challenge anyone on any belief unless it was a specific PSHE/RSE lesson, and I'd have guidance from above on exactly what I was and wasn't allowed to say!

IncognitoUsername · 22/07/2024 16:44

‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but that’s not what this lesson is about, so let’s get back on track’.

hildabaker · 22/07/2024 16:43

Geez, something else that is the responsibility of teachers to sort out. Shove a broom up my arse and I'll sweep the floor too while I'm there.

Original poster
Datgal · 22/07/2024 16:43

courgettes4eva · 22/07/2024 16:42

ignoring is best rather than give over valuable lesson time to nonsense

don’t dignify it

Yes. Absolutely true! I was just wondering. I'm not even saying teachers should.
I don't know if I could refrain. But then, that's probably why I'm not a teacher.
More kudos to you 🙌

OP posts:
OhmygodDont · 22/07/2024 16:42

I actually got asked to do a survey on this recently. looks around and puts on tin foil hat

It was all about how much if at all should schools and individual teachers be doing to combat conspiracy theories in the secondary schools years when it’s apparently the most dangerous time to get suckered in.

courgettes4eva · 22/07/2024 16:42

ignoring is best rather than give over valuable lesson time to nonsense

don’t dignify it

Original poster
Datgal · 22/07/2024 16:41

Kriscross · 22/07/2024 16:40

There are teachers that also believe some of those conspiracy theories. Why would you assume teachers are all aware of truth and fiction?

Yes of course. I suppose I hope there are more that don't.

OP posts:
RishiIsACuntWaffle · 22/07/2024 16:41

Yes but it's hard when "my mam says".
I actually had a parent say "she's OK she, hasn't got that type of skin " when I offered sun cream for a toddler and 7 year old a couple of weeks ago.

Kriscross · 22/07/2024 16:40

There are teachers that also believe some of those conspiracy theories. Why would you assume teachers are all aware of truth and fiction?

hildabaker · 22/07/2024 16:40

I'm there to deliver the curriculum, so no I wouldn't bother challenging those views. I would steer the lesson back on topic. I think one needs to pick one's battles.

Swipe left for the next trending thread