In today’s fast-paced digital world, where information, and unfortunately, misinformation spreads at lightning speed, a beacon of hope has emerged from Scotland. Spearheaded by the Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF), a groundbreaking project called “Future Proof” is empowering young people to become the frontline defenders against the ever-growing tide of fake news, especially crucial during the upcoming Scottish Elections. Imagine a group of bright, diverse young journalists, not much older than students themselves, taking on the monumental task of sifting through the noise, fact-checking claims, and shedding light on the truth with an enthusiasm that’s truly infectious. This isn’t just about debunking lies; it’s about nurturing an informed electorate, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that the crucial decisions shaping Scotland’s future are made based on solid facts, not fleeting fictions.
At the heart of this inspiring initiative are six remarkable young individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives and a shared passion for truth. There’s Rory Kirkpatrick from Portobello, a smart and earnest young man who keenly understands the pervasive nature of misinformation today. He articulates it perfectly, saying, “As misinformation seems to get more and more prevalent, bringing attention to the truth only becomes more important.” Rory’s dedication stems from a desire to help people make informed decisions, acknowledging that the way misinformation spreads has fundamentally changed with the advent of social media. He’s joined by Emilie from Fort William, Robert from Kiltarlity, Rachel and Santi from Glasgow, and Tom from Kirkcaldy. Together, they represent a vibrant cross-section of Scottish youth, ensuring that the issues they investigate resonate with young people across the entire country. Their collective energy and determination are palpable, making them not just journalists, but true champions of informed democracy for their generation.
Starting April 8th, this dynamic team will be broadcasting live on YouTube every Tuesday at 6 pm, for four weeks. Picture a lively, engaging show where these young journalists, with a mix of youthful inquisitiveness and earnest dedication, will dissect misleading claims, expose fabricated facts, and even tackle the increasingly sophisticated challenge of AI-generated content that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. More than just debunking, they’ll be highlighting the issues that genuinely matter to young voters, offering a fresh, unfiltered perspective on the election discourse. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Immediately following each broadcast, they’ll host an interactive webinar, a crucial space where young people across Scotland can directly question the journalists and engage with expert guests. Imagine a classroom, but instead of a textbook, it’s a living, breathing conversation about the election, designed to ignite discussion, boost civic engagement among young and first-time voters, and provide invaluable learning material for schools. It’s about turning passive spectators into active participants in the democratic process.
David Barras, co-founder of the Scottish Youth Film Foundation, beams with pride when he talks about “Future Proof.” He sees Rory and the team as being at the forefront of a vital conversation in modern democracy – the struggle to discern truth in an era saturated with misinformation. David emphasizes that by equipping these young journalists with the tools to investigate and question narratives, they are essentially future-proofing the next generation of voters, making them informed, confident, and ready to actively engage in society. The spark for this project came from a profound discussion on media literacy and disinformation at the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics in 2025. This isn’t just a project; it’s a direct response to a recognized need, inviting young people to articulate concerns that transcend traditional party politics and to infuse election debates with their unique and crucial perspectives. It’s a powerful testament to the idea that young voices aren’t just the future, they’re the present, shaping discussions right now.
The project’s commitment to critical thinking and democratic integrity extends beyond the broadcasts. The post-show webinars are meticulously crafted with the support of Scotland’s Development Education Centres, who are collectively championing media literacy as a cornerstone of global citizenship education under the umbrella of Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SIDA). Guiding this crucial endeavor is Huw Owen, a former BBC Scotland News Editor and co-chair of SIDA’s Education Committee, a man who deeply understands the profound impact of malicious digital communication. He paints a stark picture of the digital landscape, where AI-powered fakes are fueling polarization and fear, not just in far-off lands, but right here in Scotland. Huw passionately argues that the distortion of facts surrounding global conflicts or the undermining of scientific research on climate change are threats to civilized debate and democratic values. His message is a rallying cry: this fight for truth must begin in schools and learning centers, reaffirming universal values of fairness and tolerance alongside modern tools to actively combat disinformation. For Huw, “It’s not too late to future proof our democracy,” and this project is a tangible step in that direction.
The strength of “Future Proof” also lies in its formidable network of national partners, all dedicated to empowering young people in democratic discourse. Global fact-checking giant, Full Fact, is providing invaluable training to the young journalists, acutely aware of the escalating threat of AI-driven misinformation during elections. Mark Frankel from Full Fact underscores the public’s feeling of being “ill-equipped to deal with the manipulation of information they see before them,” a situation that erodes trust in politicians and the democratic system itself. Further reinforcing this initiative are Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament, whose insightful report, “Young People and Politics,” served as a foundational blueprint for “Future Proof.” Their extensive networks will ensure that young voices are not only heard but actively brought into the conversation through guest speakers and participation opportunities. Adding another layer of engagement, the John Smith Centre will host guest speakers and provide access to a youth hustings event at St Giles’ Cathedral, a truly historic setting for a vital democratic exchange. This collaborative effort paints a picture of a society genuinely invested in empowering its youth, not as future leaders, but as current architects of a more informed and resilient democracy. The “Future Proof” broadcasts, live on YouTube on April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, followed by interactive webinars, offer a unique opportunity for young people across Scotland to engage, learn, and become critical voices in shaping their nation’s future.