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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the harm that online trolls and online harassment can cause and explain ways to manage this.

      Key learning points

      1. Online trolls are people who deliberately harass or abuse others online in order to cause harm.
      2. Trolls often use hateful and discriminatory language.
      3. Repeated online harassment is illegal and hate speech should be reported to the police.
      4. Online abuse, harassment and trolling can have serious consequences, both for the victim and perpetrator.

      Keywords

      • Online troll - someone who deliberately says mean or upsetting things on the internet to get a reaction or cause trouble

      • Harass - to repeatedly annoy, bully or disturb someone in a way that makes them feel unsafe, uncomfortable or upset

      • Abuse - to hurt, mistreat or control another person on purpose, either physically, emotionally, or verbally, causing harm or pain

      • Discrimination - when people are treated unfairly or differently because of things like their race, gender or beliefs

      • Hate speech - illegal language used to insult or attack others based on things like their race, gender or beliefs

      Common misconception

      Online abuse doesn't have real life consequences.

      Online abuse is serious and can have a range of consequences on mental and physical health.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson discusses themes which might be upsetting for some pupils, particularly those who have experienced online abuse. Speak to your RSHE lead or DSL before teaching this lesson and ensure pupils know how to access support if needed.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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.
      You can only gamble in an online casino if you are over...

      16
      Correct answer: 18
      21

      Q2.
      True or false? Loot boxes or player packs can be bought in online games but are not legally considered gambling in the UK.

      Correct Answer: true, correct, T, yes

      Q3.
      Match the words to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:gamble,to bet money with the hope of winning more

      to bet money with the hope of winning more

      Correct Answer:debt,money owed to someone else

      money owed to someone else

      Correct Answer:addiction,a loss of control over doing, taking or using something

      a loss of control over doing, taking or using something

      Correct Answer:illegal,when something is against the law

      when something is against the law

      Q4.
      True or false? Scratch cards are not considered gambling.

      Correct Answer: false, incorrect, not true, F

      Q5.
      Why do people gamble?

      Correct answer: because it is exciting
      for a guaranteed way to make money
      Correct answer: it is a form of entertainment
      Correct answer: peer influence
      Correct answer: they are addicted to online gambling

      Q6.
      Which of the following are potential consequences of an online gambling addiction?

      Correct answer: taking on debt
      Correct answer: lying to people
      Correct answer: becoming anxious or depressed
      improved relationships with friends and family

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the terms to the definitions.

      Correct Answer:harass,to repeatedly annoy, bully or disturb someone

      to repeatedly annoy, bully or disturb someone

      Correct Answer:abuse,to hurt, mistreat or control another person on purpose

      to hurt, mistreat or control another person on purpose

      Correct Answer:online troll,someone who deliberately says mean or upsetting things on the internet

      someone who deliberately says mean or upsetting things on the internet

      Correct Answer:discrimination,when people are treated unfairly or differently

      when people are treated unfairly or differently

      Q2.
      The best way to manage online trolling is to…

      Correct answer: report their comments
      write the same comments in return
      join in the argument
      Correct answer: block the user

      Q3.
      Complete the sentence: Hate speech is a and can be reported to the police.

      Correct Answer: crime

      Q4.
      Online trolling is extremely harmful and has real life consequences. These can include:

      Correct answer: anxiety
      Correct answer: sleep disruption
      Correct answer: humiliation
      banter
      Correct answer: low self-esteem

      Q5.
      An example of online trolling could be:

      Correct answer: mocking or sarcastic comments
      Correct answer: discrediting someone
      Correct answer: provoking an argument
      Correct answer: being insulting
      'banter' with a friend

      Q6.
      Consequences for online trolls can include:

      Correct answer: being temporarily suspended from an online platform
      Correct answer: being permanently banned from an online platform
      Correct answer: damage to reputation at school or work
      Correct answer: investigation by the police
      having their internet removed

      To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Trolls and harassment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...