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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

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

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      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
      Correct Answer:online influencer,a person who uses social media to influence others
      Correct Answer:financial,relating to money
      Correct Answer:content creator,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

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

      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

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