A recent survey in Russia shows that most people think families should bear the primary duty of protecting children from misinformation. Following family responsibility, schools and teachers come next, with the federal government taking third place. The findings come from the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center, known as VTsIOM, and were shared at a press event focused on education in an era of counterfeit information. The briefing took place at a media hub in Russia Today’s facilities.
Among those surveyed, 37 percent confirmed that their children or grandchildren had encountered misinformation in the past year or two. The spokesperson noted that misinformation appeared most frequently in online services, where 22 percent of young people encountered it, followed by social networks and messaging apps at 19 percent.
The discussion framed misinformation as part of a broader, ongoing operation that can shape opinions to favor certain groups over others. It was described as a global pattern, with the internet acting as a key battleground where misleading content targets younger audiences over extended periods, particularly amid other major world events.
The study highlighted a high level of trust in official information sources when it comes to school matters. More than half of participants, about 52 percent, trusted teachers and school administrators, while 43 percent trusted official channels such as the Ministry of Education’s website and verified social media pages. This trust in formal sources was presented as a sign of progress in public information literacy and institutional accountability.
During the briefing, the deputy minister of education noted that the growing confidence in official information streams represents an important step forward for public understanding. She emphasized that misinformation often spreads online by presenting itself as fact, underscoring the need for consistent and clear communication from schools, ministries, and regional education authorities.
Officials underscored ongoing collaboration across education systems, ministries, and schools, along with sustained engagement with teachers and families through a wide range of widely used communication channels. The aim is to foster a reliable habit of consulting official websites and public pages and to cultivate a trustworthy audience that recognizes where credible information resides. The presenters suggested that this careful, coordinated approach helps counteract false content and supports informed decision-making for students and parents alike.