Tips to Find Trusted Health Information

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5 top tips for trustworthy health information

1. Ask who produced it. This can help you understand why the information was created and whether it is trustworthy.
2. Look for a date. Trusted health information should include a publication and review date. 
3. Look for sources or references. If someone says they have evidence they should provide the sources to support this.
4. Check if the information is created or endorsed by an organisation you trust. For example, the NHS, a large charity or a company with a good reputation.
5. Look for the PIF TICK – the independently-assessed trust mark for health information. There are 150 Trusted Information Creators certified under the scheme. Some of them produce information specifically for children and young people. When you see the PIF TICK you know that information is evidence-based, up-to-date and easy to use and understand.

Warning signs

There are two main types of false health information. Misinformation is false or misleading information shared by someone because they believe it. Disinformation is false information spread to deceive you on purpose.

Watch out for these warning signs:

• “Miracle cure” or “wonder drug” – claims like this are designed to catch your attention, however, they often lack facts to back them up. 
• “My friend said…” – personal stories are great for knowing other people are going through the same thing as you, but everybody is different. Just because someone has had a particular side effect or outcome does not mean you will.
• “Buy now to get…” – if information is trying to sell you something you should be more wary. Your should never feel pressured to make a decision.

Finding health information on social media

Social media can be a great way to find health information. But there are risks when using and sharing content. Use these top tips to find and share trusted content.

1. Look beyond big numbers. You should not trust posts just because a social media channel has lots of likes or followers.  
2. Check how the social media channel deals with fake or misleading information. 
3. Use channels from trusted sources like the NHS and health charities.
4. Think about who sent you the link. Just because a friend has shared something does not mean it is true.

Help your kids talk about health

1. Encourage them to talk to you about any health-related questions
2. Educate them about misinformation, disinformation and trusted health information
3. Help them learn about trusted sources like the NHS

Find out more!

To read more insightful pieces that could be discussed with your children, visit the Talking Points section of our website.

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