Evaluating health information online

Parents frequently turn to online information to understand their child’s health-related concerns and to navigate decision-making. 

However, with so much information online, it can be hard to determine if the information is correct and trustworthy. 

Half of the health-related searches completed online are on behalf of others, for example, the person’s child, parent, neighbour or other relative.

Finding information written online does not guarantee it is correct. The checklist below is a tool to help you find health information from a trustworthy source.

Checklist for online content- The CRAAP Test

C-Currency: When was the information published? Is it current or out of date?

R-Relevance: Does the information relate to the topic you are looking for? Who is the intended audience?

A-Authority: Who is the author? What are the author’s credentials to write on the topic?

A-Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence? Can you verify the information from other reliable sources?

P-Purpose: Is the purpose of the information to inform/teach/sell/entertain? Are there biases in the information?

Publicly available information is often generic, meaning it is not specific to any one person’s health condition or situation. Websites should generally include a disclaimer stating that the information does not replace medical advice from a family doctor. 

Be cautious about websites that:

  • claim to fix health concerns with one simple step or cure
  • use language that is overly emotive
  • provide details of a payment plan
  • request personal information.

These websites are generally favourable towards the organisation itself and are subjective. 

Credible health information:

  • Your family doctor or pharmacist
  • Health care phone services, for example:
    • HealthDirect (1800 022 222)
    • Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26)
    • Lifeline (13 11 14)
    • Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
  • Reliable health information websites, for example: