Have you ever played a game called “Chinese Whispers”?

Have you ever played a game called “Chinese Whispers” where the first player whispers a sentence to the next player? Each player then whispers what they think they heard to the next player. The last player announces the sentence out loud. Usually little errors begin to creep in each time the sentence is repeated so the final sentence is very different from the original, often hilariously so. The name Chinese Whispers is sometimes used as a metaphor for the inaccuracies that occur as rumours or gossip are spread.

The most famous example (which may or may not be true) of a message becoming ridiculously wrong is from World War One, when General is supposed to have sent the urgent message: Send reinforcements, we’re going to advance. After passing along the various signal transmitters the original message became; Send three and fourpence, we’re going to dance.

We are all familiar with the news media breathlessly announcing a disaster or scandal which later turns out to be less dramatic or even untrue. This is usually harmless but in the case of a natural disaster like a tsunami it is vital that the message is accurate so that we all act on it instead of thinking it is just another false alarm.

Modern communications like blogs and Twitters can spread misinformation very quickly as cangossip. That is where real harm can be done. Gossip can be harmful to the individual and create mistrust and depression. Gossip can destroy friendships. Any event – an accident, a crime or even an accident at a party – can generate a huge variety of versions of what actually occurred from those who witnessed or participated in it. As time goes by even further mistakes occur in stories about the event, either deliberately or by accident. It’s human tendency to exaggerate and make a more exciting story to entertain our listeners.

However, there are a few simple rules we should follow. Firstly, check the facts. Secondly, if it sounds too good or too bad to be true, it probably isn’t true. And, thirdly, try to follow the old rule that if you have nothing nice to say, stay quiet.

Please remind your children of Chinese Whispers.