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Year 7

Recognising when to report harmful online content

I can describe how to identify harmful or inappropriate online content and explain when it is necessary to report it to protect myself and others.

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New
New
Year 7

Recognising when to report harmful online content

I can describe how to identify harmful or inappropriate online content and explain when it is necessary to report it to protect myself and others.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Some online content can be harmful or inappropriate.
  2. Knowing when to report harmful or inappropriate content helps keep online spaces safe.
  3. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong online, it is always better to report something.
  4. Reporting protects yourself and others from harm online.

Keywords

  • Inappropriate content - online material that is offensive, harmful or unsuitable for certain audiences

  • Harmful content - online material that may cause distress, fear or encourage dangerous behaviour

  • Report - to inform a platform or trusted adult about harmful or inappropriate content

Common misconception

If I see something harmful or inappropriate online, it's not my problem. I should just ignore it.

Ignoring harmful or inappropriate content might seem like the easiest option, but it can allow dangerous or offensive material to spread. Reporting helps protect yourself and others, creating a safer online space.


To help you plan your year 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Recognising when to report harmful online content, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may want to adapt this lesson to include the ways you report content in your setting.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the definition.
Correct Answer:opportunity,the chance to try something new that could lead to good things

the chance to try something new that could lead to good things

Correct Answer:positive,something good, exciting or joyful

something good, exciting or joyful

Correct Answer:ICT,Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communication Technology

Correct Answer:internet,a global network that connects millions of digital devices

a global network that connects millions of digital devices

Q2.
The internet can help us , develop and grow in many different ways.
Correct Answer: learn
Q3.
Jess uses the internet to join an online school art club and watch drawing tutorials. What benefit(s) is she getting?
Correct answer: learning
sleeping
Correct answer: developing
Q4.
Ali enjoys reading sports blogs, while Ruby prefers coding games. What does this show?
everyone likes the same things
the internet is only for games
Correct answer: we all enjoy different things online
Q5.
Which of these best shows how the internet can offer positive opportunities?
browsing random videos
Correct answer: learning to design a website
posting daily selfies
scrolling through comments
Correct answer: learning how to code
Q6.
Taylor and her dad start a blog to share book reviews and join a reading group online. What is this an example of?
wasting time online
passive screen use
Correct answer: positive online engagement

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Some online content can be or inappropriate.
Correct Answer: harmful
Q2.
Match the words to the definitions.
Correct Answer:inappropriate content,material that is offensive, harmful or unsuitable

material that is offensive, harmful or unsuitable

Correct Answer:online safety,being aware of the dangers or threats you could encounter when online

being aware of the dangers or threats you could encounter when online

Correct Answer:report,to inform a platform or trusted adult about particular content

to inform a platform or trusted adult about particular content

Q3.
What should you do if you see something online that seems harmful or makes you feel uncomfortable?
ignore it and hope it goes away
re-post it to all of your friends to see what they think
Correct answer: report it using the platform’s in-built tools
Correct answer: tell a trusted adult what you have seen
Q4.
Liam sees a post online that includes violent language and threats. It makes him feel uneasy. What should he do?
Correct answer: Liam should report the post to the platform.
Liam should scroll past it and forget about it.
Liam should re-share the content in a group chat.
Liam should show his younger sibling the content.
Q5.
Why is reporting harmful or inappropriate content important?
it helps you avoid getting in trouble
Correct answer: it helps protect you and others from being hurt online
it helps the person who posted it get more views
Q6.
How can you tell when something online should be reported?
if it’s shared by someone you don’t know
if it gets fewer likes than usual
Correct answer: if it makes you feel uneasy, scared or unsafe