A colourful post says, “Become a science genius in one week!” It includes a clever experiment, a smiling student and a button to buy a kit. Is it teaching, entertaining or selling? It may be doing all three.
Children do not need to distrust every post. They can learn to ask what its creator wants them to know, feel or do. That question is especially useful when polished images and AI-made wording make a message look convincing.
A timely family activity
UNESCO's Global Media and Information Literacy Week runs from 24–31 October 2026 under the theme “We All Play a Part”. It is a timely prompt for families to discuss how messages shape decisions. Common Sense Education teaches a simple lens for media purpose: persuade, inform and entertain. BAIO's five fictional cards below are an original paper activity inspired by that broad idea, not an official lesson or a test of children's media skills.
Write “Inform”, “Entertain” and “Persuade” on three pieces of paper. Read each card and let your child place it under one or more headings. Then ask: “Who made this, who is it for, and what does it ask us to do?” The reason matters more than choosing a single label.
Card 1: The science fact
“Some seeds can stay dormant until conditions support growth. Here is a labelled diagram of the parts of a seed. Check your school textbook for the terms used in your class.”
This fictional card mainly tries to inform. It offers a checkable idea and a place to verify the details. Ask whether the diagram has a clear source and whether its labels match a trusted reference. An informative tone alone does not prove that every claim is correct.
Card 2: The surprising experiment video
“Watch this paper bridge hold ten coins! We tested different folds. Try a version with an adult and tell us which shape worked best.”
This card may inform and entertain. The demonstration invites curiosity, but a short video may leave out failed trials. Ask what the viewer can learn, what has not been shown and how they could test the idea safely.
Card 3: The genius kit
“Top students use this science kit. Buy it today and improve your marks fast!” A small part of the post shows a real experiment.
This card uses information and a promise to persuade the audience to buy. Ask which words create urgency or pressure. What evidence supports the promise about marks? The experiment may be interesting, but that does not establish the product claim. Children can learn from the idea without needing to purchase anything.
Card 4: The quiz that wants a click
“Only brilliant kids can answer these five AI questions. Tap the link and enter your name and school to see your score.”
This card mixes entertainment with a push to click and share details. The invented example does not require a real link or account. Ask what information the quiz actually needs to let someone practise questions. Our earlier privacy activity offers a way to discuss what to leave out before using an online tool.
Card 5: The school announcement
“Tomorrow's robotics session starts at 9 a.m. See the school's dated notice for the venue and details.”
This card aims to inform, and it may affect real plans. If a similar message arrives as a forwarded screenshot, check the school's normal channel before acting or passing it on. The purpose can be helpful even when the source still needs confirmation.
What if a post fits more than one heading?
That is normal. A video can entertain while it explains an idea. An advertisement can contain a true fact. The family task is to notice the blend and identify the main action the creator wants: learn, watch, click, share or buy.
For younger children, use the science fact, experiment and kit cards. For older students, compare the “genius kit” promise with the evidence offered, or rewrite the quiz so it offers practice without collecting identifying details. Keep the scenarios fictional; do not ask children to send screenshots or personal information to run the activity.
A question to use beyond the game
When the next striking post appears, ask: “What is this trying to get me to do, and what would I need to check first?” This builds on our earlier BAIO activities about attention and privacy, linked below. Learning the purpose of a message helps children decide how much attention and trust it deserves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a post inform and persuade at the same time?
Yes. An advertisement may contain useful facts while encouraging a purchase. Ask what the creator wants the viewer to do and what evidence supports any claims.
Does an entertaining video need to be fact-checked?
If your child wants to rely on a factual claim from it, check that claim with a suitable source. Watching a fictional or playful video for fun is a different purpose.
Do we need a real social media account for this activity?
No. Use the five fictional cards in this article on paper. Children can discuss purpose, audience and evidence without opening links or sharing personal information.