Lesson video

Hello, I'm Miss Kumar.

And I'm so pleased that you've chosen to learn with me today.

Today's lesson is called Ageism, and it's taken from our unit Communities: How Are We All Different? I would really like you to do this lesson with a trusted adult as there might be some parts of the lesson that you find tricky to understand or worrying.

If at any point during the lesson, you do feel worried or upset, please pause the video and speak to your trusted adult.

The outcome for today's lesson is I can explain what ageism is and how we can challenge it.

Before we begin any learning, let's remind ourselves of some important ground rules.

Laura reminds us to listen to others.

It's really important that we have our best listening ears on and that we don't interrupt each other when we speak.

Andeep reminds us to respect privacy.

It is okay for us to share our experiences and stories, but let's not use any details that might give away who we're talking about.

Jacob reminds us no judgment.

This should be a safe space for us to talk.

We mustn't laugh or make anyone feel silly for the things that they say.

And Izzy reminds us, choose your level of participation.

If you don't want to answer a question or take part in a discussion, that's absolutely fine.

No one should be made to feel put on the spot.

Throughout today's lesson, you'll see that there are two words in bold, black font.

These are keywords.

Let's take a quick look at today's keywords and what they mean.

Opportunity.

An opportunity is the chance to try something new that could lead to good things.

And ageism.

Ageism is treating someone unfairly or being unkind to them just because of how old or young they are.

Today's lesson is split into two parts.

Let's start with part one, what is ageism? Look at these objects.

What age group do you think most people would say use them? We have knitting needles and wool and reading glasses.

You can pause to have a think or a quick chat, and when you're ready to move on, just press play.

I wonder if the answers will surprise you.

Aisha says, "Knitting is one of my favorite hobbies.

I find it really relaxing after a busy day at school.

I have made lots of different things, like scarves and mittens." And Sam says, "Sometimes I have to wear reading glasses.

They help my eyes to see more clearly and not get too tired when I'm enjoying reading a book." Some people might make assumptions or wrongly believe that only older people use these objects.

When people make assumptions about others because of their characteristics, this leads to stereotypes.

Examples of stereotypes around age might include the following.

Older people are forgetful.

Young people are noisy.

Older people can't use technology.

Young people are always on screens.

Older people can't learn new things.

Young people don't know anything important.

True or false.

When people make assumptions about others based on their characteristics, this leads to stereotypes.

You can pause to have a think and then press play when you're ready to move on.

The answer is true.

Sometimes stereotypes can lead to prejudice.

This is when someone makes a judgment about people before taking the time to actually get to know them.

Examples of prejudice around age might include the following.

"I don't think the children should be allowed to choose the film we watch at the cinema because they'll pick something silly," or, "I don't think I'll ask Gran to play this game as older people can't understand new rules." Unfortunately, prejudice can often lead to discrimination.

Ms. Walsh explains, "Discrimination is treating someone unfairly or not giving them opportunities because of their characteristics.

Discrimination against people because of their age is called ageism.

People sometimes think that ageism only affects older people, but it can affect younger people too." True or false.

Ageism only affects older people.

You can pause to have a think.

Press play when you're ready to move on.

The answer is false, but can you remember why? Ageism can affect younger people too.

Let's now take a look at examples of discrimination around age.

Here we've got a picture of a cafe, and outside it says no children allowed.

"As the owner of a cafe, I don't allow children to come in.

Children are noisy and messy, and I think it would put the other customers off." Children are not being given the same opportunity as adults to visit this cafe, and this is discrimination based on age.

"We have a chess tournament coming up at school.

I'll ask the younger teachers to run it as the older teachers might struggle to learn the rules in time." Older staff are not being given the same opportunity as younger staff to run a club, and this is discrimination based on age.

Which of the following is an example of ageism? A, "I don't think children should be allowed in the quiet carriage on the train because they can't sit still," or b, "Are there any members of staff that could teach me how to use this new app on my laptop please?" You can pause to have a think and then just press play when you're ready to move on.

The answer is a.

In scenario a, children are not being given the same opportunities to sit on a carriage as adults.

In scenario b, all members of staff are being given the same opportunity.

That brings us to the first task for today's lesson, Task A.

Can you complete the missing words in the following sentences? The words that you need are at the bottom of the screen.

We've got stereotypes, without, ageism, younger, and ableism.

There might be some words that you don't need.

The sentences are as follows.

Number one, when people make assumptions about others because of their characteristics, this leads to blank.

Number two, prejudice is when someone makes a judgment about a person blank getting to know them first.

And number three, discrimination against people because of their age is called blank, and it can affect blank people too.

You can pause the video to do this task, and when you're ready to see some answers, just press play.

Let's check the answers together.

Your completed sentences should look like this.

Number one, when people make assumptions about others because of their characteristics, this leads to stereotypes.

Number two, prejudice is when someone makes a judgment about a person without getting to know them first.

And number three, discrimination against people because of their age is called ageism, and it can affect younger people too.

The word ableism wasn't used.

Ableism means discrimination against someone because of a disability.

This is different from ageism, which is discrimination because of age.

Well done if your answers were correct.

That brings us to the second part of today's lesson, how can we challenge ageism? Sofia, Izzy, and Alex were on a visit to the local museum.

Sofia said, "I can't wait to see the model dinosaurs." As they walked in, one of the staff inside said, "Oh, no, children.

Ugh, I bet they'll run around and be really loud." How do you think this made the children feel? You can pause to have a quick think or a quick chat and then just press play when you're ready to move on.

Experiencing ageism, like any other discrimination, can have a negative impact on people.

Sofia said, "I thought that comment was unfair and it made me feel disrespected." Alex said, "They didn't get to know us.

If they had, they'd find that we're polite and respectful." And Izzy said, "I just felt really stressed and worried about doing something wrong." Ms. Walsh explains, "It's important to remember that if you experience or witness ageism or discrimination, you should tell a trusted adult, like a teacher, parent, or carer.

They can help you feel better and work out what to do next.

How might someone feel as a result of ageism? A, respected, b, disrespected, c, happy, or d, worried? Pause to have a quick think and then just press play when you're ready to move on.

The answers are b and d.

As a result of ageism, someone might feel disrespected or worried.

Ageism could also lead to missed opportunities.

Aisha says, "When I told my friends I was going to start knitting, one of them said it was for older people.

I very nearly didn't try it, but I'm so glad I did.

It's my favorite hobby now." Eric says, "My partner, Priya, laughed when I told her I was joining a street dance class.

She said I wouldn't be able to learn the moves and I very nearly didn't go.

I'm glad I did though.

The exercise is good for my health and it turns out I'm quite the talented dancer." Correct one word in the sentence below.

Ageism could lead to new opportunities.

Press pause to have a think and then press play when you're ready to move on.

The word new is incorrect.

It should say missed.

Ageism could lead to missed opportunities.

In the UK, the Equality Act of 2010 keeps people safe from discrimination against the protected characteristics.

Ms. Walsh explains, "A person's age is one of the nine protected characteristics.

That means that it is against the law to not give someone the same opportunities as others because of how old they are." Even though the law protects people against discrimination, like ageism, we can all help too.

Ms. Walsh goes on to say, "By acting as positive role models, speaking up safely with trusted adults, and being an ally, we can help to challenge stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination around age.

This can allow people to be themselves and to do the things that they truly enjoy.

Which of these statements about the Equality Act 2010 and age are true? A, age is one of the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010, b, the Equality Act 2010 only protects people who are over 65 years old, c, it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their age, and d, the Equality Act 2010 says that ageism is wrong, but it is not illegal.

You can pause to have a quick think and then just press play when you're ready to move on.

The answers are a and c.

Age is one of the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act, and it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their age.

Well done if you got those correct.

Aisha says, "I challenged a stereotype and started a hobby that others assumed was for older people.

By being a role model, lots of my friends have started knitting too, and we've even started a club at school." Priya says, "When you first joined a street dance class, Eric, I'll admit, I thought it was for young people and that you wouldn't keep up.

I was wrong to think that, and I'm sorry.

Now that I can see how good you are and that you enjoy it, I'm an ally for you and speak up to challenge assumptions.

I remind people that we can learn new things at any age." Sometimes we might realize that we've believed in stereotypes or shown prejudice towards others.

When this happens, it's important to recognize we were wrong, say sorry, and then do better.

Priya admitted her mistake and apologized to Eric, and now she challenges others who make the same assumptions she once did.

When we challenge ageism or any other discrimination, it's important to do it safely.

This means talking to a trusted adult, like a parent, carer, or teacher, if you see or experience ageism.

It means not putting yourself in an unsafe situation.

It also means remembering that adults have a responsibility to tackle discrimination.

It's not all down to you.

Remember, speaking up about unfairness is brave and you don't have to do it alone.

Trusted adults are here to help.

Time for our last check for understanding.

What two things can we do to challenge ageism? You can pause to have a think and then press play when you're ready to move on.

You could have said any two of the following.

Tell a trusted adult, be a positive role model, speak up safely, or be an ally.

Well done if your answers were along those lines.

That brings us to the second and final task for today's lesson, Task B.

Read the scenario and then answer the questions that follow.

"I recently mentioned in class that I wanted to start ballroom dancing.

A few children teased me and said it was for older people only.

I'm now not sure what to do.

Maybe they're right." Question one, how is this an example of ageism? Question two, what impact might this have on the person? And question three, how could they challenge it? You can pause the video to carry out this task, and when you're ready to see some answers, just press play.

How did you get on? Let's take a look at some possible answers together.

Your answers might include the following.

For number one, how is this an example of ageism? People have made the assumption that ballroom dancing is for older people.

They are believing in stereotypes that they may have heard, which has led to the prejudice idea that young people can't take part in ballroom dancing.

Question two, what impact might this have on the person? They might feel that the comments are unfair and they may become stressed and worried about what others think.

If they choose not to start ballroom dancing, they may miss an opportunity to do something that they truly enjoy.

And for number three, how could they challenge it? They could challenge the assumption by speaking to a trusted adult, such as a parent, carer, or teacher, who could help them to speak up and explain that stereotypes are not based on facts.

They could remind others that dancing is a good form of exercise and that people of any age can learn something new.

If they choose to do ballroom dancing anyway, they are being a positive role model, which could lead other young people to take part too.

Well done if your answers were along these lines.

That brings us to the end of today's lesson.

But before we finish, let's take a quick look at today's lesson summary.

Discrimination against people because of their age is called ageism.

It affects younger people and older people.

Experiencing ageism, like any discrimination, can have a negative impact.

It can make a person feel disrespected, stressed, or worried.

Ageism could also lead to missed opportunities.

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is against the law to not give someone the same opportunities as others because of how old they are.

By acting as positive role models, speaking up safely, and being an ally, we can help to challenge ageism, allowing people to be themselves and do the things that they truly enjoy.

You should tell a trusted adult if you experience or witness ageism.

Well done on all your hard work today.

I hope that you now have a better understanding of what ageism is and how we can all play our part in challenging it.

See you again soon.

If you need any support following on from today's lesson, you can visit these websites.

Childline.

This is a website and phone line which is able to offer confidential advice and support.

And CEOP.

CEOP helps to protect children from online abuse and exploitation.