New
New
Year 8

Time online and body image

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

New
New
Year 8

Time online and body image

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

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Lesson details

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.


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

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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 (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

Download quiz pdf

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

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

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.