New
New
Can political engagement be increased using digital media?
I can explain whether digital media could help to increase engagement with politics.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Can political engagement be increased using digital media?
I can explain whether digital media could help to increase engagement with politics.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Political engagement has shifted from traditional media to digital platforms, especially for young people.
- Digital media offers new ways to engage in politics, such as social media campaigns and online petitions.
- Digital media can increase political engagement by removing barriers and enabling youth-led activism.
- Online risks like misinformation, echo chambers, and the digital divide can limit or distort engagement.
Keywords
Digital media - any form of media that uses electronic devices or technology to create, store, and share content
Petitions - gathering signatures to show support for a cause, which can be done on paper or online
Misinformation - false or misleading information shared by mistake, without intent to deceive
Disinformation - false information that is knowingly spread to deceive and mislead others
Common misconception
Social media is just for fun and entertainment.
Social media is also used for serious things like political campaigns, protests, and sharing important issues.
Encourage pupils to share examples of political content they've seen in the media.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct meaning.
Match the word to its correct meaning.
Q2.We can be active digital by taking responsibility, getting involved in public matters, and working to make a positive difference in our communities using digital media.
We can be active digital by taking responsibility, getting involved in public matters, and working to make a positive difference in our communities using digital media.
Q3.Digital tools like online registration and reminders can help increase in elections.
Digital tools like online registration and reminders can help increase in elections.
Q4.Which of the following are risks of using digital tools in democratic processes?
Which of the following are risks of using digital tools in democratic processes?
too many people voting
faster communication
people being more informed
Q5.Young people are often encouraged to vote through campaigns.
Young people are often encouraged to vote through campaigns.
Q6.Which of these is an example of using technology to support democracy?
Which of these is an example of using technology to support democracy?
buying a new phone
playing an online game
watching a movie online
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct meaning.
Match the word to its correct meaning.
Q2.Which of these is a way digital media can help people get involved in politics?
Which of these is a way digital media can help people get involved in politics?
making it harder to find information
letting people vote twice
stopping people from speaking to leaders
Q3.One risk of relying on digital media for political news is ending up in an chamber, where you only see views you already agree with.
One risk of relying on digital media for political news is ending up in an chamber, where you only see views you already agree with.
Q4.Why is it important to be educated about digital media when using it to learn about politics?
Why is it important to be educated about digital media when using it to learn about politics?
it helps you take better photos
it helps you believe everything you see
it helps you follow celebrities more closely
Q5.Which statement best challenges the idea that “social media is just for entertainment”?
Which statement best challenges the idea that “social media is just for entertainment”?
social media only shows videos and games
social media should be banned for political use
social media is never used by political leaders
Q6.Even though traditional political engagement may be declining, digital media has created opportunities for involvement, especially for young people.
Even though traditional political engagement may be declining, digital media has created opportunities for involvement, especially for young people.
