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      Discrimination in the online space

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what to do if I experience or witness discrimination online.

      Key learning points

      1. There are groups of people who are more vulnerable online.
      2. The Equality Act (2010) protects all people online and offline.
      3. There is a lot of discrimination online.
      4. Online discrimination has a huge effect on people.
      5. We can challenge discrimination by recording, reporting and blocking other users online.

      Keywords

      • Vulnerable - someone who is more likely to be hurt

      • Discrimination - treating a person unfairly because of their characteristics

      • Characteristic - an important trait or feature of a person

      • Equality - treating everyone the same and giving them the same opportunities, no matter who they are

      Common misconception

      Discrimination is not a big problem online because no one can be physically hurt.

      People's mental wellbeing can really suffer if they are discriminated against online. It can be just as serious as offline, and the amount of abuse is often higher because perpetrators feel anonymous and powerful.

      Teacher tip

      It may be useful to emphasise the difference between harassment/bullying and discrimination so that pupils feel confident in identifying discrimination if they see it. Explain to pupils your school's procedures for challenging discrimination and where pupils can seek support.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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 the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:influence,the effect that somebody has on the way a person thinks or behaves

      the effect that somebody has on the way a person thinks or behaves

      Correct Answer:status,how respected someone is because of things they own or do

      how respected someone is because of things they own or do

      Correct Answer:anonymous,unknown with a hidden identity

      unknown with a hidden identity

      Q2.
      Power often comes from , status, money or fame.

      Correct Answer: popularity

      Q3.
      Which statements are true?

      Correct answer: People can use their power online to pretend to be someone they're not.
      People always behave the same online as they do offline.
      Correct answer: People can use their power online to discriminate against others.
      Correct answer: People can use their power online to protect others online.

      Q4.
      How can children use their power online?

      Correct answer: to say no when they don't want to do something
      to be unkind to others
      to make friends with online strangers
      Correct answer: to block and report other accounts

      Q5.
      Which of these statements are false?

      Correct answer: Prejudice only exists offline.
      Prejudice was different in the past but still exists.
      Correct answer: There is nothing we can do to reduce prejudice.
      We can reduce prejudice by challenging it.

      Q6.
      is websites and apps used to share words and images with other people, for example, as posts or through messages.

      Correct Answer: social media

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:vulnerable,someone who is more likely to be hurt

      someone who is more likely to be hurt

      Correct Answer:discrimination,treating a person unfairly because of their characteristics

      treating a person unfairly because of their characteristics

      Correct Answer:characteristic,an important trait or feature of a person

      an important trait or feature of a person

      Q2.
      The Act (2010) protects all people online and offline.

      Correct Answer: Equality

      Q3.
      Which statements are true?

      Correct answer: There are groups of people who are more vulnerable online.
      Discrimination is rare online.
      Correct answer: Discrimination online can harm people's wellbeing.

      Q4.
      Which statements are false?

      Online discrimination has a huge effect on people.
      Correct answer: Discrimination isn't a big problem online, as no one can be physically hurt.
      Correct answer: Online discrimination only affects people who experience it.

      Q5.
      People's mental can really suffer if they are discriminated against online.

      Correct Answer: wellbeing, health

      Q6.
      How can we challenge online discrimination?

      Correct answer: record the discrimination
      delete the messages
      Correct answer: tell a trusted adult
      Correct answer: report and block the account
      ignore them

      To help you plan your 6 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Discrimination in the online space, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...