Credit: Future Hindsight: How we can all preserve the truth, and stop lies from spreading.
Sometimes, the things kids hear about online—can be misleading, exaggerated, or simply false. When you want to correct a myth without reinforcing it, the Truth Sandwich approach is a powerful tool.
What Is a Truth Sandwich?
Inspired by cognitive linguist George Lakoff and adapted by health-communication experts, the Truth Sandwich is a three-step method:
- Start with the truth — open with factual, reassuring information.
- Address the myth — acknowledge the false claim, but avoid repeating it verbatim or elevating it.
- Finish with the truth again — restate the facts to close with clarity and reinforce the correct message.
This technique works because our brains remember what we hear first and last. Presenting the facts at both ends helps ensure that misleading claims don’t linger.
Research shows that this format effectively reduces belief in myths, such as nutrition misconceptions.PubMedE-Pub Bayreuth
1. Myth: “The more followers I have, the more important I am.”
Truth (Bread #1):
👩 Parent: “Your worth doesn’t come from numbers online—it comes from who you are and how you treat people.”
Myth (The Filling):
👩 Parent: “Some people believe having lots of followers makes you more valuable, but that’s just how apps try to keep people hooked.”
Truth (Bread #2):
👩 Parent: “The truth is, your real importance is shown in how you act, the friends you have, and the choices you make.”
2. Myth: “If I don’t reply instantly to a message, my friends will be upset.”
Truth (Bread #1):
👩 Parent: “Good friends understand that you can’t always be online straight away.”
Myth (The Filling):
👩 Parent: “It’s a myth that you must answer instantly—sometimes people are busy, and that’s okay.”
Truth (Bread #2):
👩 Parent: “The truth is, real friends will wait and respect your time. You don’t have to be glued to your phone to keep friendships strong.”
3. Myth: “Likes on my posts show how much people like me.”
Truth (Bread #1):
👩 Parent: “People like you for who you are, not for how many likes you get.”
Myth (The Filling):
👩 Parent: “Some kids think likes equal popularity, but likes are just part of how the app is designed to make posting addictive.”
Truth (Bread #2):
👩 Parent: “The truth is, what matters most is how your real friends and family treat you offline.”
4. Myth: “Everyone else is having more fun than me because of their posts.”
Truth (Bread #1):
👩 Parent: “Remember, social media shows highlights, not the full story.”
Myth (The Filling):
👩 Parent: “It’s a myth that everyone else is always having more fun—people rarely post about boring days, arguments, or feeling down.”
Truth (Bread #2):
👩 Parent: “The truth is, everyone has ups and downs. What you see online is just the best bits, not the whole picture.”
5. Myth: “Social media is the only way to stay connected with friends.”
Truth (Bread #1):
👩 Parent: “There are lots of ways to connect—chatting at school, meeting up, or even a phone call.”
Myth (The Filling):
👩 Parent: “It’s a myth that social media is the only way to have a social life—friendships can grow stronger offline.”
Truth (Bread #2):
👩 Parent: “The truth is, mixing online and offline connections makes friendships healthier and more real.”
Tips for Using Truth Sandwiches as a Strategy
- Check myths first: If a claim isn’t widespread or harmful, sometimes it’s better to simply state the fact without even mentioning the myth.
- Keep language simple and age-appropriate: Tailor your wording to your child’s age.
- Stay calm and curious: Avoid judgment—invite conversation. “That’s interesting—where did you hear it?” can open the door to deeper discussion.
- Repeat your truths: Reinforcement helps solidify the accurate knowledge.
- Praise their critical thinking: “Great job checking that—it shows you’re learning how to think for yourself.”
Final Slice of Truth
The Truth Sandwich helps parents tackle misleading ideas—whether about health, school, or social media—without unintentionally giving myths more power. By leading with facts, carefully addressing misconceptions, and wrapping up with the truth again, you help your child develop a clearer, more resilient understanding of the world.
