Barranquilla launches strategy to curb rumors and fake news that affect coexistence in official schools

Barranquilla has launched a new initiative aimed at curbing the spread of false information and rumors that have disrupted school environments. The campaign, named “Corta la Red,” was introduced at the IED Normal Superior and seeks to promote responsible social media usage among students, teachers, and families. The city’s administration emphasized that unverified messages circulating through platforms such as WhatsApp have caused panic, led to the suspension of academic activities, and affected the emotional well-being of children and adolescents. The strategy focuses on preventing misinformation and fostering a more harmonious coexistence within educational institutions. According to officials, the campaign will be implemented across all official schools in the district, with the goal of reducing the impact of misleading content. The initiative outlines five key actions: stopping the spread of unconfirmed information, consulting only verified official sources, reflecting on the consequences of sharing messages, protecting institutional tranquility, and promoting responsible coexistence. Participants in the launch included students and educators who were encouraged to adopt habits of verification before forwarding any content they receive online. The campaign urges users to ask critical questions, such as who shared the message, whether it comes from an official source, and whether it contains verifiable evidence, before deciding to share it. This approach aims to prevent unnecessary fear or confusion that could disrupt learning environments. The city's Office for Security and Coexistence highlighted that the initiative aligns with legal frameworks including Law 1620 on School Coexistence, the Child and Adolescent Code, and legislation related to cybercrimes and data protection. These laws support efforts to ensure that digital information is used responsibly and ethically. Officials stressed that the misuse of digital platforms can lead to serious consequences, including threats to student safety and the overall stability of educational communities. Yesid Turbay, head of the Office for Security and Coexistence, stated during the campaign’s introduction that individuals should pause before sharing alarming information. He urged participants to report suspicious content and consult trusted adults. By cutting off the chain of disinformation, he explained, the community can build safer and more supportive school environments. The campaign will reach all public schools through educational activities designed for students, teachers, and parents. These sessions aim to raise awareness about the dangers of spreading false information and encourage proactive measures to verify content before sharing. The city hopes this effort will create a culture of responsibility and critical thinking among its youth, ultimately leading to improved school climates and stronger community bonds.