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      Online groups and radicalisation

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what incel ideology is, identify the dangers associated with it, and describe strategies to protect myself and others from radicalisation.

      Key learning points

      1. 'Incel' means 'involuntary celibate' and is a term linked to online communities that promote hatred towards women.
      2. Incel ideology promotes violence, blame and extreme beliefs.
      3. Grooming often starts with trust-building, then isolation and manipulation.
      4. Radicalisers use coded language and emotional manipulation to influence others.
      5. There are ways to stay safe, such as questioning content, talking to trusted adults and reporting harmful behaviour.

      Keywords

      • Incel - a person who self-identifies as an 'involuntary celibate' and believes that they are unable to form romantic or sexual relationships, often blaming women for this

      • Misogyny - hatred or prejudice against women, often shown through negative beliefs or actions

      • Radicalisation - the process by which someone comes to adopt extreme political, social or religious views

      • Grooming - when an adult builds trust with a young person to manipulate them for harmful purposes, often leading to abuse or exploitation

      Common misconception

      Only socially isolated or unpopular individuals become radicalised.

      Radicalisation can affect anyone, regardless of social status or popularity. It's essential to understand behaviours, not stereotypes, to identify risks accurately.

      Teacher tip

      The content of this lesson is sensitive. Please speak to your RSHE Lead and/or DSL before teaching this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Depiction or discussion of serious crime

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A secure website uses HTTPS and has a symbol in the address bar.

      Correct Answer: padlock

      Q2.
      Match the online risk to its correct description.

      Correct Answer:phishing,messages or calls sent to trick people
      Correct Answer:identity theft,when someone uses your personal info to pretend to be you
      Correct Answer:fake websites,sites that look real but are made to trick you into giving away info

      Q3.
      Amira wants to avoid online scams. Which of these actions would help her stay safer?

      using the same password for all accounts
      ignoring two-factor authentication
      Correct answer: using strong passwords
      Correct answer: turning on two-factor authentication
      clicking on every link in her emails

      Q4.
      Why are some online scams difficult to spot?

      they are only sent to adults
      Correct answer: they look very realistic
      they only happen on gaming websites
      they're always easy to spot

      Q5.
      Elliot clicks a link in a message claiming he's won a prize. The site asks for his login details and bank information. What online risk is he facing?

      Correct answer: phishing
      safe browsing
      cookie tracking
      file sharing

      Q6.
      HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol ...

      Correct Answer: Secure

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Radicalisation can affect , regardless of social status or popularity.

      Correct Answer: anyone

      Q2.
      Match the term to the definition.

      Correct Answer:incel,a person who self-identifies as an 'involuntary celibate'
      Correct Answer:grooming,when an adult builds trust with a young person to manipulate them
      Correct Answer:misogyny,hatred or prejudice against women

      Q3.
      What is a common early tactic used by someone grooming a young person online?

      publicly shaming them to control their behaviour
      Correct answer: building trust before isolating and manipulating them
      asking for money or gifts straight away

      Q4.
      How might someone trying to radicalise others make their ideas seem more acceptable?

      Correct answer: they use coded language and emotions
      they ask teachers to share their views in class
      they send long, boring paragraphs of text

      Q5.
      What is one way you can stay safe when exposed to harmful online content?

      share it with others so they can decide for themselves
      keep quiet and ignore it to avoid causing trouble
      Correct answer: talk to a trusted adult, question the content and report it

      Q6.
      A classmate starts using unusual phrases and referencing ideas that seem extreme or hateful. What might this be a sign of?

      they’re just exploring new internet trends
      Correct answer: they may be repeating radical content they’ve seen online
      they are trying to impress others with complex language

      To help you plan your 11 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Online groups and radicalisation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...