Why people bully online
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain reasons why online bullying happens.
Key learning points
- There are many motivations to take part in online bullying.
- Some people are insecure and look to put other people down.
- Some people enjoy being hurtful to others.
- Some people are passive bystanders, who say nothing when they witness bullying.
- Some people don't realise how much they've upset someone if they are unkind online.
Keywords
Motivation - the reason why someone does something
Insecure - feeling unsure about yourself or worried about what others think
Secure - feeling confident about yourself
Passive bystander - someone who does nothing when something bad happens
Active bystander - someone who takes action when something bad happens
Common misconception
People bully each other online because they are bad people.
Though some people are unkind online because they want to inflict pain, most do not realise the full consequences of their actions. Because people cannot see the impact they have on others, they can be less sensitive online than they are in person.
Teacher tip
Talk further with pupils about the significant role that bystanders have in reducing discrimination, bullying and unhealthy behaviours.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their correct definition.
Q2.If we experience online bullying, we should never ...
Q3.The deliberate and repeated bullying, bothering or disturbing of a person is an example of ...
Q4.Which statement about bullying is correct?
Q5.An bystander is someone who does something when they witness cyberbullying.
Q6.Match the examples to the form of bullying.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the correct definition.
Q2.Which of the following are not a motivation to engage in online bullying?
Q3.Which of the following is an example of being a passive bystander?
Q4.Why might someone choose to be a passive bystander?
Q5.Why might people not realise the impact of online bullying?
Q6.Some people bully online because ...
To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Why people bully online, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Why people bully online, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Our online lives: How can I stay safe? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.