DONALD Trump’s views on fake news notwithstanding, it is vitally important today that we distinguish between real news and the manufactured stuff put out there for specific purposes.

The internet is a wonderful thing but, unfortunately, it is also hugely effective for spreading disinformation and being the main source of items put out there for political or personal gain.

Now, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – an international body providing a forum so governments can work together on common problems – is saying that children should be taught in schools how to spot fake news.

They believe that the ability to tell fact from fiction is a vital skill today, that children should question and think critically. And they are absolutely right.

There is so much information masquerading as facts available to people today that it’s no wonder many totally misunderstand major situations and make judgements as a result. Nations, never mind individuals, can be manipulated in this way so it is essential that we get our news from trusted sources.

In this country, we have been very lucky in having a media that is largely respected and trusted throughout the world. Given some acknowledged partiality and known political bias, people can acknowledge that information coming from British media in print, broadcast and online, will include truthful facts.

We all know that presentation is also very influential here so the angle, the selection of facts and the language used can all make a difference.

However, the media in this country is ruled by very strict, enforceable laws. The Bolton News, for example, is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary and there is no way it would have survived so long without genuine journalistic standards and working within the law.

Staff have sometimes got it wrong over the years – that happens to us all. But, journalists will go to acknowledged official and respected sources, will check facts and work on the basis of “if in doubt, leave out” before it is published in print or online.

Some websites, though, will throw something outrageous and fake into the ether for their own reasons, then probably swiftly remove it when they are howled down. By then, the damage is done, the made up news is out there and opinions are being formed.

The only way forward for everyone is simply to only use respected sources for your news, and avoid the fake ones.