In today’s digital world, youth have unprecedented access to information—but not all of it is accurate. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate content shared without intent to deceive, while disinformation is deliberately misleading information meant to manipulate public opinion. Both forms can be harmful—especially in health contexts—and their effects are magnified among young people. This article, co-authored by Ontario youth leaders and a pediatrician, explores the impact of misinformation and disinformation on youth health and how pediatricians can help counter it.

Young people today rely heavily on digital media for information. This constant exposure makes them especially vulnerable to misinformation online. False content spreads rapidly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where health information—ranging from vaccine myths to mental health misconceptions—is often oversimplified or inaccurate.

This skewed exposure impacts youth decision-making, creating echo chambers that reinforce false beliefs and hinder critical thinking. Social media algorithms can limit users to content that aligns with their existing views, reducing opportunities for balanced discourse. The result? Increased anxiety, confusion, and in some cases, harmful behaviors rooted in false health narratives. Misinformation doesn’t just distort facts; it undermines youth confidence, fuels social division, and widens health disparities.

In Canada, 99% of youth aged 15–24 use the internet, and 91% use social networking sites. But not all youth are equally affected by the information they consume. For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) youth, misinformation often compounds existing barriers rooted in systemic racism and healthcare inequities.

Historically marginalized communities are more likely to encounter health-related misinformation, especially on topics like vaccines, nutrition, sexual health, and mental health. Female and LGBTQ+ youth are also disproportionately targeted by harmful or sensationalized content. For example, misinformation around body image or gender-affirming care often circulates without context, increasing stigma and contributing to poor mental health outcomes.

The consequences are significant: misinformation fuels mistrust, alienation, and inaction. It can erode the credibility of healthcare professionals and diminish youth access to accurate, culturally relevant health information. Pediatricians have an urgent role to play in interrupting these cycles of misinformation and offering youth the tools to resist them.

On November 9, 2024, youth from across the Greater Toronto Area gathered for the inaugural Together Against Misinformation (TAM) Youth Conference. The goal: equip young people with skills to critically evaluate information, foster peer-to-peer education, and promote health literacy in their communities.

Sessions at the conference addressed:

• Sexual health and gender identity
• Nutrition and healthy living
• Substance use and harm reduction
• Mental health and intergenerational trauma

Youth participants learned about the concepts of misinformation and disinformation, how to identify and address them, and how to talk to peers and family members about false claims. These “prebunking” strategies—proactively countering myths before they take root—are shown to build resilience to future exposure. The conference also created a space for culturally responsive discussion and affirmation of youth identity.

Importantly, interventions like TAM are especially powerful when they reflect the lived experiences of BIPOC youth. Research highlights that culturally tailored, multilingual, and community-driven education builds trust and effectiveness. By connecting youth to healthcare professionals and community leaders who understand their unique contexts, events like TAM offer a model for sustainable, youth-led solutions to the misinformation crisis.

As Ontario pediatricians, we are uniquely positioned to support youth in making informed, confident health decisions. By listening, educating, and building culturally responsive relationships, we can counter misinformation and empower youth to thrive.

Key Recommendations for Ontario Pediatricians

1. Build Trust and Open Communication

• Create a safe, judgment-free space where youth feel comfortable discussing what they’ve read or heard online.
• Establish yourself as a reliable source of clear, evidence-based health information.

2. Encourage Digital and Health Literacy

• Help youth assess online content using critical thinking tools (e.g., fact-checking, source evaluation).
• Share credible resources, such as government websites or pediatric professional associations.

3. Address the Needs of BIPOC Youth

• Acknowledge systemic mistrust and tailor your approach using culturally-sensitive, multilingual resources.
• Listen actively and validate lived experiences to foster connection and inclusion.

4. Use Prebunking Strategies

• Proactively discuss common health myths during clinical encounters.
• Use real-world examples to show how misinformation spreads and how to counter it.

5. Collaborate with Families and Communities

• Empower caregivers to guide youth through digital health content.
• Partner with schools and community organizations to amplify accurate health messaging.

6. Leverage Digital Tools and Social Media

• Share short, engaging, and trustworthy content on platforms youth already use.
• Promote awareness of supportive online spaces and fact-based influencers.

Dr. Ripudaman Singh Minhas is a developmental pediatrician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, President of the Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario (PAO), and Lead of the Our Kids’ Health Network, a multilingual social media health literacy initiative serving BIPOC families across Canada. Emmanuela Ozor, Arielle Baguio, and Hanna Grover are Digital Health Youth Fellows with the Our Kids’ Health Network. As emerging youth leaders, they have contributed to the development and delivery of educational tools and workshops aimed at reducing the harmful impact of health misinformation in their communities.

References

1. American Psychological Association. “Misinformation and Disinformation.” www.apa.org/topics/journalism-facts/misinformation-disinformation
2. Kovalenko, Oleksandra. “The Harmful Effects of Disinformation and How to Combat Them.” Huridocs, 7 Dec. 2023. huridocs.org
3. Innovation.ca. “Young People Tell Us They Need Help Identifying Misinformation.” 22 Oct. 2023. www.innovation.ca/news/young-people-tell-us-they-need-help-identifying-misinformation
4. Griffith, Cynthia. “How Misinformation Hurts Homeless People and Housed People Too.” Invisible People, 16 Feb. 2024. invisiblepeople.tv