Where are students getting information on climate change from? An approach from the Social Sciences

Abstract

One of the content that currently is playing a major role in education is climate change, given its implications for raising awareness and training in present and future society. The objectives of this research, for the case study of students of Primary, Secondary and Baccalaureate in the Valencian region (Spain) are: 1) to analyse the main means from where the students receive information on climate change; 2) recognize the causes and consequences that identify about this phenomenon; and 3) analyse the similarities and differences between the three educational stages. From 575 students surveyed during the 2020-2021 academic year, the results indicate that the three main information media are digital (TV, social networks, Internet). 82.8% have stated that they receive information from TV, 49.5% from social networks, and 40.4% from the Internet. Regarding the causes of the phenomenon, pollution stands out (70.1%) and, as effects, the increase and changes in temperature (61.7%). In conclusion, it is worth highlighting the role that the school plays in the formation of the society of the future and the risk posed by the increase in information from digital media as the school stage advances due to the danger of misinformation and the fake news.