Teachers struggle to deprogram kids from QAnon and anti-vax beliefs after parents radicalize

[CousinIT]

https://www.salon.com/2021/09/06/teachers-struggle-to-deprogram-kids-from-qanon-and-anti-vax-beliefs-after-parents-radicalize_partner/

A sizeable number of students returning to school need to be "detoxed" from QAnon-inspired lies they soaked in -- often from their parents -- while away from class because of the pandemic, CNBC reports.

"Teachers across the country face a vexing and evolving challenge as the new school year begins and students return to the classroom following a roughly 18-month hiatus from normal in-person learning," the report says. "Since the last time full classrooms congregated, a whole industry of misinformation has exploded online, spreading conspiracy theories on everything from the alleged steal of the presidential election, which Joe Biden won, to the prevalence of microchips in Covid-19 vaccines."

Citing studies showing that 15% of Americans believe QAnon conspiracies and 22% self-identify as anti-vaxxers, the CNBC piece describes the special challenges posed to educators "by the combination of misinformation on social media and a growing population of duped and radicalized parents."

Here's more from the CNBC story:

"It's bad enough that kids are exposed to dangerous untruths across their favorite social media apps like Facebook, YouTubeand TikTok. An equally large problem is that, while stuck at home during the pandemic, many students had their days of virtual schooling interrupted by screaming parents, who themselves had fallen deep into the internet's darkest rabbit holes."

[cbabe]

1. Excellent opportunity

to teach primary and secondary sources, work cited with annotations, defining terms, etc.

Teach them to defend their thesis with supporting facts.

So much fun.

[Thtwudbeme]

8. Funny you should mention that

I am a MS librarian and am introducing primary sources tomorrow morning. I originally trained as an archivist, so I will have materials in their hands. No tech for my intro class.

[NH Ethylene]

2. Teachers should not be trying to alter the kids' belief systems.

However, they can (and should) teach critical thinking and how to choose internet sources and other research skills.

[totodeinhere]

3. I agree. In the long run that is the only viable solution. Kids need to be taught critical thinking.

Kids can't be expected to believe what their teacher says if it contradicts their parents unless they know how to sort it out themselves..

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Agree Mostly

I'm not sure, however, I am comfortable with defining a collection of provably false nonsense a "belief system".
As one who subs science classes, I would not hesitate to refute, if a kid started with flat earth silliness.
Flat earth belief is not a belief system to be respected.
But, with regards to most other beliefs, I agree with you.

[NH Ethylene]

6. LOL - I had a student who put that forth in class once.

It was so absurd that I just laughed about it. I think it is just kids being cute and quirky.

But climate change can be an issue with high school kids, although it seems to be getting to be less of one (as the climate gets worse). If I am teaching climate-related topics, I don't argue if someone contradicts me. I politely acknowledge the comment then just continue presenting and discussing the info. Most of the kids are on board with it and that exerts a bit of peer pressure and possibly causes the nonbelievers to reconsider their stance.

[Botany]

5. America's population has 22% that are self-identify as anti-vaxxers. We are really fucked.

That means 72 million Americans are going to be willing hosts to the virus and they will help spread
the disease. Do not give those mother fuckers any medical care when they get the disease and they
will all get it except for those who have had it already.

Time for vaccine passports, masking, and making the anti vaxxer pay more for their medical insurance.

[luckone]

7. Ugh higher % of Q creeps than cig smokers now in US. Becoming too common . Sad

the kids are learning hate + crazy @ hone.