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Lesson 6 of 8 · 5 min · +100 XP

How can kids tell if a photo is fake or edited?

Kids can tell if a photo is fake or edited by asking: is this too perfect or too amazing to be true? Filters smooth faces, editing cuts out mistakes, and computers can make things that never happened. Lots of exclamation marks and pressure to share are clues too. When unsure, ask a grown-up and check before sharing.

▶ Try it

Why it matters

Filters, cuts and made-up stories: lots of what you see online is made. You learn to ask "Is this real?" and to check before you share.

In 5 minutes you'll be able to

  • Filters and cuts change pictures and videos.
  • Always ask yourself: is this real?
  • Not sure? Ask first, then share.

What you'll practise

  1. Behind the picture

    Flip the cards. What is really behind them?

    ✨ A face without a single spot
    A filter made everything smooth. Real skin looks different.
    🏀 A boy scores 10 baskets in a row
    He threw 50 times. The misses were cut out.
    🦈 A shark swimming down the street!
    The picture was made on a computer. That doesn't really happen.
    🍔 The perfect burger from the advert
    It took hours to make it look nice. You can't eat it.

  2. Find the clues

    Tap everything that should make you suspicious.

    Wonder_World
    UNBELIEVABLE!!! 😱 I found a cat with rainbow fur! Share this or you'll have bad luck!
    The weather was lovely in the park today. ☀️

  3. Detective questions

    What do you do as a detective?

    1. A video shows a talking dog. What do you think?

      • Wow, dogs can talk!
      • It's probably edited. (Answer)

    2. A picture looks perfect. What do you ask yourself?

      • "Is this real?" (Answer)
      • "Why don't I look like that?"

    3. You're not sure if something is true. What do you do?

      • Quickly send it to everyone
      • Ask a grown-up (Answer)

Remember

Too perfect or too amazing? Ask "Is this real?" and check before you share.

Amazing pictures are often made, not found.

Key facts

  • Since 1 July 2022, adverts in Norway, including paid influencer posts, must carry a standard label when a person's body shape, size or skin has been changed by retouching or other editing. · Source: Norwegian Consumer Authority, Guideline on Labelling Retouched Advertising, 2022
  • In February 2021, the UK advertising regulator ruled that brands and influencers must not use filters in ads for beauty products if the filter exaggerates what the product can do. · Source: Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), rulings on filters in beauty adverts, 2021
  • Many photos and videos online are changed before they are posted: filters smooth skin, editing cuts out the misses, and computer tools can create pictures of things that never happened.
  • Posts that push you to share quickly, with lots of capital letters or threats of bad luck, are trying to get clicks, not to tell the truth.

Updated:

Questions people ask

What is a photo filter?

A filter is an effect in a camera or photo app that changes a picture, for example by smoothing skin, changing face shape or adding colours. Many are so subtle that you can't tell they were used.

Why do people edit their photos online?

To look their best, to make a post more exciting, or to get more likes and clicks. Adverts are edited too, so products look better than they really are.

Can computers make fake pictures and videos?

Yes. Computer tools, including AI, can create realistic pictures and videos of people, animals and places that never existed or events that never happened. If something seems amazing, check it before you believe or share it.

How can parents talk to kids about edited pictures?

Look at pictures together and ask "Is this real? How could they have made it?" Remind them that perfect pictures are often made, and that they are great just as they are.

Related terms