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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...