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

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how people online may alter their appearance and why this is not representative of how I should look.

      Key learning points

      1. Many celebrities and influencers use filters to edit their appearance.
      2. Comparing ourselves to people online is comparing ourselves to an impossible ideal.
      3. We should not expect ourselves or others to look like people we see online.
      4. Everybody is different.
      5. Body shaming online or in person is never acceptable.

      Keywords

      • Filter - an effect used on a photo or video to alter the way you look

      • Body image - how we see, think or feel about our body, including our shape, size and appearance

      • Body shame - to make hurtful comments about a person's appearance, body shape or size

      Common misconception

      Influencers always show us reality.

      Many influencers alter their appearance or body shape and might engage in harmful behaviours to achieve a particular body type.

      Teacher tip

      Body shaming someone is never ok, and judgements about a person's value and worth should never be based on their physical appearance. When influencers and celebrities use filters, it is often to hide their own insecurities.

      Content guidance

      Language may offend

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:screen time,any time spent on a digital device with a screen

      any time spent on a digital device with a screen

      Correct Answer:blue light,a light from screens that can keep you awake

      a light from screens that can keep you awake

      Correct Answer:socialise,to talk, play or spend time with friends, family or new people

      to talk, play or spend time with friends, family or new people

      Correct Answer:attention,notice taken of someone or something

      notice taken of someone or something

      Q2.
      Blue light prevents the release of ...

      oestrogen
      testosterone
      Correct answer: melatonin

      Q3.
      Short videos can cause constant bursts.

      Correct Answer: dopamine

      Q4.
      True or false? Everyone uses the internet in the same way.

      Correct Answer: False, F, Incorrect, Not true, No

      Q5.
      Which of these is a negative impact of long-term internet use?

      improved access to educational resources
      increased opportunities for social connection
      Correct answer: potential sleep disruption and reduced focus
      enhanced career opportunities

      Q6.
      Which of these online activities are productive?

      Correct answer: learning a new language
      socialising with friends
      playing games
      Correct answer: watching a documentatry

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:filter,an effect used on a photo or video to alter the way you look

      an effect used on a photo or video to alter the way you look

      Correct Answer:body image,how we see, think or feel about our body, including our shape and size

      how we see, think or feel about our body, including our shape and size

      Correct Answer:body shaming,to make hurtful comments about a person's appearance or body shape

      to make hurtful comments about a person's appearance or body shape

      Q2.
      Many celebrities and influencers use filters or editing tools to change their appearance online. Why might this be a problem?

      it helps people feel more confident
      Correct answer: it creates unrealistic beauty standards
      it makes everyone look the same
      it makes social media more entertaining

      Q3.
      What word is used to describe the fact that we all have qualities and features that are individual to us?

      Correct Answer: unique

      Q4.
      Which of the following statements about body shaming is accurate?

      It is ok to body shame someone if you are showing concern.
      It is ok to body shame someone if you don't think someone looks good.
      It is ok to body shame someone in person but not online.
      Correct answer: It is never ok to body shame someone in person or online.

      Q5.
      What is the best way to support a friend who is feeling insecure about their appearance because of social media?

      tell them to use more filters to fit in
      Correct answer: remind them that online images aren’t always real
      encourage them to compare themselves to influencers
      ignore their concerns and change the subject

      Q6.
      Which of these statements is true about body image?

      Correct answer: Everybody is different, and that’s ok.
      We should all try to look like influencers online.
      If you don’t look like people online, you should change your appearance.

      To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Time online and body image, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...