Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Dangers to watch out for in the online space

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can identify the warning signs of unhealthy behaviour.

Key learning points

  1. Unhealthy behaviour tends to follow certain patterns.
  2. We can identify patterns to avoid unhealthy relationships.
  3. Unhealthy behaviour includes manipulation tactics.
  4. Manipulation tactics can be hard to spot.
  5. Manipulative behaviour sometimes begins with apparently positive actions, such as gift-giving and flattery.

Keywords

  • Relationship - the connection between people

  • Unhealthy - not good for us

  • Behaviour - the things that someone does and says

  • Manipulation - influencing someone's emotions to make them do something

  • Tactic - the method to achieve something

Common misconception

It is easy to tell if someone is being manipulative.

Manipulators often begin with behaviour that appears positive - for example, flattery, love-bombing and gift-giving. However, this can lead to controlling behaviour later in the relationship.

Teacher tip

Link this lesson to those in the units about power and healthy relationships.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:respect,a positive feeling towards somebody

a positive feeling towards somebody

Correct Answer:green flag,a sign that a relationship is healthy

a sign that a relationship is healthy

Correct Answer:behaviour,the things that someone does and says

the things that someone does and says

Q2.
What should we not share online?

Correct answer: personal information
our username
our game scores
Correct answer: photos and videos of ourselves

Q3.
When might we need a trusted adult to help us to report or block something online?

if someone you know asks to follow you on social media
Correct answer: if someone online asks you for personal information
if your friend shares a funny video with you online
Correct answer: if you see something online that makes you worried

Q4.
People we meet online are strangers. True or false?

Correct Answer: True, Yes, Correct, T

Q5.
What should we do if something goes wrong online?

keep using our device
show a friend
Correct answer: tell our trusted adult
Correct answer: put our device down

Q6.
Some people might try to us to get information online.

Correct Answer: trick, manipulate

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:relationship,the connection between people

the connection between people

Correct Answer:unhealthy,not good for us

not good for us

Correct Answer:manipulation,influencing someone’s emotions to make them do something

influencing someone’s emotions to make them do something

Correct Answer:tactic,the method to achieve something

the method to achieve something

Q2.
What behaviour might someone show in an unhealthy relationship?

Correct answer: pressure someone to do something
show respect for the other person
take turns turns to make decisions
Correct answer: ignore the other person's thoughts and feelings

Q3.
Which of the following are examples of manipulation tactics?

Correct answer: making someone feel guilty if they don’t want to do something
asking someone to follow them on social media
celebrating a friend's score on a game
Correct answer: offering gifts or money if someone does something for them

Q4.
Manipulation tactics are easy to spot. True or false?

Correct Answer: False, No, F, Incorrect

Q5.
Spotting red flags in someone's behaviour can help us avoid unhealthy relationships. Yes or no?

Correct Answer: Yes, True, Correct, Y

Q6.
What should we do if we spot red flags in someone's behaviour?

ignore the red flags and continue speaking to them
Correct answer: tell a trusted adult and report or block them online
hope that they become a kinder person
send a rude message to the person

To help you plan your 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Dangers to watch out for in the online space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...