How do we combat the spread of fake news? To develop media literacy, the Georgian National Communications Commission is conducting online lessons for 200 pupils in 10 state schools as part of the “Truth or Fiction?” competition. Members of the Commission’s Media Literacy department are helping youngsters develop the necessary skills in identifying fake information and distinguishing it from real facts. The training programme is using educational materials from BBC Academy.

This is the third edition of the “Truth or Fiction?” competition, which is organized by GNCC and the Media Academy for the purpose of developing critical thinking, analysis and fact-checking skills among youngsters. All 9^th, 10^th and 11^th grade pupils can take part in the competition by submitting their works by 14 June.

As part of the competition, participants were required to identify fake news in Georgian media space that had not yet been confirmed as inaccurate. The pupils had to explain how they identified the information, present the relevant sources and establish real facts surrounding the case.

Competition winners will be selected by a competent jury panel. Due to the large number of participants, the submitted works will be evaluated in July. The date of the awards ceremony will be announced to the participants at the end of July. Winners will receive impressive ultramodern prizes, including an iPhone 11 for the first place, an iPad 10.2 for the second place and Beats Studio 3 wireless headphones for the third place.