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

[Datgal]

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...

In secondary school. Form time is used for debates sometimes. I've used conspiracy theories as topics in the past. Interesting outcomes. But its not my job to tell someone how to think its to allow them to critically think for themselves

Notably, things labelled as conspiracy theories do turn out to be true at a rate that’s fairly alarming if you keep track (eg media suppression of the hunter Biden laptop story - which is now openly admitted). There are plenty of others surrounding Covid, elections, wars that turn out to be correct in the long run.

The best quote I heard recently was “I don’t like to side with conspiracy theorists, but at the same time I do like to be right”.

Stick to the curriculum and shut down other avenues /topics as not on topic. Otherwise you can get yourself in a lot of trouble.

I try my best to use any things like this as discussion points as in 'some people believe'. I think children should be neutrally introduced to as many different ways of thinking as possible.

It's a really difficult one because we're not supposed to express "political" opinions and there's always the threat of parents or students reporting us, in my current school at least.

I also think I'd need more training on how to handle conspiracy theories etc., for example in my previous school I had to deliver a current affairs thing on Andrew Tate and discovered quite a few boys in my tutor group were fans and saying things like if his arrest was real, why were there cameras? I try to generally approach things in quite a neutral way and try to find out what it is they like about him, try to suggest additional role models or emphasise values that I think would be good for them.

It does depend, if I heard a student come out with something like the earth is flat, I'd probably brush it off in a lighthearted way but much more difficult if it's coming from home. We did have students in my previous school thinking COVID tests would give you cancer etc and would say things like listen it's not in the government's interest to give everyone cancer, lots of things could potentially be carcinogenic with enough exposure eg. The Sun but you still go outside.

But anything more systematic than that I think at most teachers should just be referring to people with more training and focusing on teaching, especially as I think it could just drive believers further into the conspiracy beliefs and away from trusted adults and society.

You teach the curriculum and how to make the cogent argument . With evidence.

If she shoots her mouth off again, get her to support her (Mum's) claims.

Then tell her to keep to the lesson at hand as you're not going to win this one.

‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but that’s not what this lesson is about, so let’s get back on track. Now, can anyone tell me the definition of the word ‘ignorant’?”

We were told we weren't allowed to when this was rife during covid. Some mumbo jumbo about the kids needing to feel safe to express these views.

Just want to say thanks to the teachers commenting, this is very interesting.
Teachers already have so much to deal with, I wonder with the rise of misinformation both on social media from conspiracy theorists and targeted campaigns from criminals attempting to sway elections etc, how much the curriculum will change in future to try and teach kids how to identify false information - there's already so much to cover and tactics change all the time, it's hard enough for law enforcement to keep up never mind it filtering down into education.

As a parent I have been horrified at some of the nonsense spouted at DCs school by their main teacher. As in the end of the world is night type territory. And not in a lesson on how to spot fake news/deal woth conspiracies. Has caused a great deal of anxiety. Am taking the three strikes and I will report to HT.

Teachers need to be neutral and encourage critical thinking. But agree with comments above they also need to acknowledge other view points. Just not terrify the kids!

To give another perspective. That's what the whole of Liverpool and Liverpool fans were told when we challenged the hillsborough news reports. That's what everyone was told when voicing concerns about Saville, women's spaces etc. So yes it should be a matter of back to the lesson and not the individual opinion of the teacher.

It must be hard as a teacher if kid 1 says Biden is a robot and kid 2 then asks you if it's true.

I wouldn't want a load of kids to think he was or might be a robot because I hadn't outright said he wasn't.

I'm glad I work with animals 😬 They don't care who is a robot as long as they get fed.

As teachers, our job is to stay neutral and give facts rather than opinions. I’ve taught a lot on “reliable sources” online and how to separate the fact from the fiction. But occasionally I get so disgusted by something that I do react. Andrew Tate is a disgusting, sexist, misogynist and when I heard children in my class talking about him I told them that his name is banned from my class because of x,y,z. I teach upper KS2.

Usually the other pupils do it for me and i don’t need to say a thing!

But I do encourage critical thinking and will engage in a discussion playing ‘devil’s advocate’ rather than saying they are wrong. Because ultimately, who says I am right?!

Also - i don’t want the whole twisted version of events going back to the parents and then dealing with emails and phone calls complaining.

I enjoy these conversations in the classroom. You underestimate children/teens and their ability to debate this stuff. There is no way any of my classes would let a flat earth theory go unquestioned and they would probably have views on Biden’s Botox as well.

DS has a PE teacher at secondary school who’s into all this Flat Earth type nonsense and she’s constantly telling them all sorts of bizarre stuff.

However, I don’t think any of the kids pay her any attention and think she’s a bit crazy but harmless.

Apparently, the Principal is fully aware of her weird ramblings but he says he can’t easily replace her. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Years ago someone tried to derail my lesson on some issue that was de rigueur at the time and I said it was all the square root of negative one. I also wouldn't get involve in the identity and pronoun nonsense were I still teaching, if people want to improve standards in schools then let teachers concentrate on their job rather than the current bandwagon.

It's a tricky one really, teachers on the whole need to stick to the subject they are teaching. I've had to report a teacher for spending time discussing non topic issues in a classroom with his students. It feels wrong having to do so, but when they should be teaching subject A but are discussing politics for most of the lesson, which has nothing to do with subject A and is not their field of work it's not the right time or place for the discussion.

Teachers are in a position of trust and kids often look upto them. They do need to be careful how they approach some topics. It would be different if they where actually teaching that topic of course.

I agree that teaching critical thinking and learning how to source information is what we should be teaching students at school.

Yes! That's what it's all about isn't it? Opening up the discussion. And I suppose the other kids do help in getting your points across when you can't. Thanks to all the teachers 🙌

I disagree, teachers should take every chance to debate topical issues (as long as it’s not to the detriment of the curriculum). In face civilised fact based debating is arguably the most important skill to teach anyone.

I’ve never had any students who seriously believe in any conspiracies like the ones listed, but u wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face if they told me Biden was a robot. Covid brought about quite a few health opinions that I steered away from.

Interesting - I work with early years so haven't been questioned like this! However, I would say that I discuss these topics with DC and try to get them to think rationally and challenge/work out how to think critically but always vocal against racism and sexism. Also that they have the right to say if they do not like what others are saying - either outright or just politely remove themselves from the situation...

Kids should be taught HOW to think, not WHAT to think... if this is done well - by teachers and parents alike, then the child grows up with the ability to think through situations, arguments, theories etc... and form their own opinion which they can debate in a logical way. Sadly, far too many people are lacking in critical thinking skills and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

Shut it down! And then teach them the facts about how boys can become girls by just thinking it. 👌🏽

This made me laugh! Well said!

Sorry OP, but if you knew how every bloody initiative is put onto teachers, you would understand where this is coming from.

I’m not a teacher but my personal view is that it would be great if our education system taught the value of curiousity, how to evaluate evidence, critical thinking, and how to really listen and consider ( rather than just rebutt) what someone says. I think all of this would help, but no, I don’t thinks it’s the job of teachers to tell people what they should and should not think or believe.

I'm a geography teacher I've yet to meet a flat earther but I have encountered lots of racism and xenophobia in lessons which I absolutely do challenge.