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Lesson 4 of 4
  • Year 7

The impact of fake information

I can describe some of the serious dangers caused by fake news.

Lesson 4 of 4
New
New
  • Year 7

The impact of fake information

I can describe some of the serious dangers caused by fake news.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Fake news can lead to acts of hatred.
  2. Fake news can lead to people becoming ill.
  3. Fake news can lead to people voting differently.
  4. It is important to verify information we read online.

Keywords

  • Disinformation - articles, videos or images that are untrue and are designed to confuse or mislead us

  • Misinformation - false or inaccurate information shared without intent to deceive; getting the facts wrong by mistake

  • Deepfake - a video, image or sound that has been digitally changed to make it look or sound like someone did or said something they never actually did

  • Polarisation - when opinions or groups become very different or opposite, with little common ground between them

  • Echo chamber - a place or situation where people only hear ideas they already agree with, so their beliefs are repeated and not challenged

Common misconception

Consuming fake news has no impact on real life.

Fake news can contain harmful and hateful disinformation. This can lead to hatred, health concerns and can influence elections.


To help you plan your year 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The impact of fake information, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Recommend some legitimate news sites where pupils can access trustworthy information.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

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

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:motivation,the reason why someone does something

the reason why someone does something

Correct Answer:online influencer,a person who uses social media to influence others

a person who uses social media to influence others

Correct Answer:financial,relating to money

relating to money

Correct Answer:content creator,a person who makes something to share online

a person who makes something to share online

Q2.
Being an influencer is about than just wanting attention.

Correct Answer: more

Q3.
The number of likes or comments can have __________ impact on an influencer's life.

a negative
Correct answer: a financial
no significant

Q4.
What might motivate an influencer to appear on TV?

to become less popular online
Correct answer: to get a bigger audience
Correct answer: to make more money

Q5.
People __________ influenced and misled by online content made by influencers.

are always
are never
Correct answer: can be

Q6.
Influencers make money if their content contains lies or exaggerations.

Correct Answer: can, can still, will

Assessment exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their correct definitions.

Correct Answer:disinformation,articles and more that are untrue and are designed to mislead us

articles and more that are untrue and are designed to mislead us

Correct Answer:misinformation,false or inaccurate information shared without intent to deceive

false or inaccurate information shared without intent to deceive

Correct Answer:echo chamber,a situation where people only hear ideas they already agree with

a situation where people only hear ideas they already agree with

Correct Answer:verify,to check if other people or websites confirm that something is true

to check if other people or websites confirm that something is true

Q2.
__________ are computer programs that suggest content related to previous searches.

websites
URLs
Correct answer: algorithms

Q3.
Social media promotes content that contains disinformation.

Correct Answer: often, frequently, commonly, sometimes

Q4.
What should you do if you are concerned about a health condition or illness?

speak to a friend
search for information online
Correct answer: speak to a medical professional

Q5.
Fake news can lead to and lead people to not listen to others' opinions or viewpoints.

Correct Answer: polarisation, polarised views, polarised opinions

Q6.
Fake news can impact a whole ...

Correct Answer: country, area