Misinformation-Prevention and Detection
Practice Library

Misinformation-Prevention and Detection

Misinformation is a significant hazard and can have serious impacts, including reputational damage and the spread of inaccurate information within and outside an agency. In this practice, we look at how to identify and respond to misinformation, how it spreads, fact-checking, and supporting clients who are involved in spreading misinformation.

15-20 minutes
Foundation
Last updated Jun 2026

What You'll Learn

This PracticeLab quiz helps you revisit the essential concepts that guide safe, quality practice. Answer the questions, read the explanations, and build confidence in the knowledge you bring to your role.

  1. 1

    Recognising Misinformation in Human Services

    Learn to identify common types of misinformation relevant to social and human services in Aotearoa New Zealand, including false claims, misleading statistics, and out-of-context information that can harm clients and communities.

  2. 2

    How Misinformation Spreads in and Around Agencies

    Understand the pathways through which misinformation travels — including social media, messaging apps, word of mouth, and internal communications — and why human services organisations are particularly vulnerable.

  3. 3

    Checking Facts Before You Share

    Build practical skills for verifying information before passing it on, including how to assess source credibility, use trusted NZ-based references, and apply simple fact-checking habits in day-to-day work.

  4. 4

    Responding to Risks of Misinformation Responsibly

    Explore practical steps staff can take when they encounter misinformation affecting clients, colleagues, or the public, including when to escalate, how to correct misinformation respectfully, and how to protect your organisation's reputation.

  5. 5

    Legal Issues with Misinformation

    The relevance of law to preventing and responding to misinformation

  6. 6

    Supporting Clients Who Are Spreading Misinformation

    Builds practical skills for the frontline scenario where a client is sharing or acting on false information, including how to respond with empathy, avoid triggering defensiveness, and why corrections can sometimes backfire.