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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why online media may not show the full truth

      Key learning points

      1. Online media does not always show the full truth
      2. Images and videos can be edited and staged
      3. Comparing ourselves to unrealistic online content can affect wellbeing
      4. Critical thinking helps us evaluate what we see

      Keywords

      • Edited - changed from the orignial version

      • Staged - arranged to look a certain way

      • Influence - the power to affect someone

      Common misconception

      If something is online, it must be real.

      Online content can be editer, filtered or staged and may not reflect reality

      Teacher tip

      Encourage pupils to analyse media construction rather than criticise individuals. Focus on how framing, editing and purpose shape online content, and guide pupils to reflect on emotional impact without judgement.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these shows purposeful screen use?

      scrolling without noticing the time
      Correct answer: researching for homework
      watching random videos late at night
      ignoring time limits

      Q2.
      Which behaviour shows respect in an online relationship?

      sharing someone's photo without asking
      Correct answer: accepting when someone says no
      sending repeated messages after no reply
      ignoring someone in a group chat

      Q3.
      Why can online messages be misunderstood?

      They are always rude.
      They are too short.
      They are too long.
      Correct answer: We cannot appreciate the tone or see facial expressions.

      Q4.
      A boundary is a __________ that is set to protect wellbeing.

      Correct answer: limit
      device
      screen
      password

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which example shows staged content?

      a spontaneous photo taken once
      a screenshot of a message
      Correct answer: a carefully arranged photo taken after moving objects
      a live video call

      Q2.
      Why might an influencer post a photo holding a product?

      to hide the product
      to avoid attention
      to confuse viewers
      Correct answer: to promote it, possibly because they are paid

      Q3.
      Why might online images not show the full truth?

      because they always show everything
      Correct answer: because they may be edited or only show part of the scene
      because cameras do not work

      Q4.
      Match each word to its meaning.

      Correct Answer:arranged to look a certain way,staged

      staged

      Correct Answer:changed from the original version,edited

      edited

      Correct Answer:the power to affect someone,influence

      influence


      To help you plan your 5 digital literacy lesson on: Online media and reality, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...