Parenting Websites: How to Decipher if Information is Credible

Raising children is hard work! Amidst the chaos and never-ending messes, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. If only parenting could come with a manual…Unfortunately, there is not just ONE book, article, magazine, Facebook group, blog, and/or parenting website that encompasses everything that is needed to know as a parent — there are millions of “manuals”. Within a couple of clicks, “answers” to parenting questions could be solved, BUT how can someone tell if that information is reliable?

Michigan’s Maternal Infant Mental Health Program would like to stress the importance of accessing credit worthy, and reputable sources when searching for parenting techniques and information.

Below are a few tips and guidance on how to evaluate if the information being shared is reliable and credible:

• Search for information from established institutions, such as hospitals, research centers, universities and well-known associations.
  • Most of these established institutions have subject matter experts creating the content being shared.
• Understand the underlying purpose of the site.
  • Content is written for a large number of reasons: to sell products, as hobbies, to persuade particular opinions or views, and/or to educate.
    • Be cautious of bias information, unprofessional sources, and commercial sites.
• Make sure the content is up-to-date.
  • Information from credit worthy sites is updated on a regular basis- look for that date.
• Evaluate if the information or suggestion is safe.
  • Use prior knowledge while questioning if the information or suggestion being shared could cause harm.
• Determine if the content is accurate, reliable, and credible.
  • Are the sources factual and clearly listed and/or linked?
  • Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched or backed by evidence?
    • If answers to those questions are not “yes,” then take caution when sharing from that source.

For learn more on how to evaluate credit worthy sites, view the links below.

• Georgetown University – Evaluating Internet Resources
• Stevenson University – How to Identify Reliable Information
• Purdue University – Evaluating Digital Sources

Information provided by Michigan’s Maternal Infant Mental Health Program