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Year 11

Responding to online harassment

I can describe how to respond to online harassment.

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New
New
Year 11

Responding to online harassment

I can describe how to respond to online harassment.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. People online can target groups and individuals with harassment.
  2. We can block and report online abuse and offer support to the person experiencing harassment.
  3. Retaliating against online harassment should be avoided.
  4. There are several different laws which protect people from harassment.
  5. The police may get involved in cases of online harassment.

Keywords

  • Harassment - when someone repeatedly bothers, bullies or disturbs another person, making them feel unsafe, uncomfortable or upset

  • Hate speech - illegal language used to insult or attack others based on things like their race, gender or beliefs

Common misconception

Harassment can only happen in person.

Harassment can take place online. There can be serious consequences for those who harass others online.


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

Show pupils the steps they can take to block and report accounts on popular social media sites.
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.
We have a lot of in the online space to keep ourselves safe.
Correct Answer: power
Q2.
Which of the following best explains why sharing negative or mocking content online can be harmful?
Correct answer: It can cause embarrassment, stress or harm to others.
It is usually meant as a joke and is rarely taken seriously.
It doesn't matter as most people don’t care what’s said online.
Q3.
Match the term to the definition.
Correct Answer:institution,a large official organisation

a large official organisation

Correct Answer:advocate,someone who speaks up or takes action to help keep others safe

someone who speaks up or takes action to help keep others safe

Correct Answer:employer,a person or organisation that hires and pays people to work for them

a person or organisation that hires and pays people to work for them

Q4.
Amir is preparing to apply for a competitive job. His public profile includes offensive humour and inappropriate language. What is a realistic consequence of this?
his friends might share his posts more widely
Correct answer: the employer may view his content negatively and reject his application
his online posts will remain private by default
the employer is unlikely to check his social media profiles
Q5.
Leila receives frequent, unwanted messages from someone she doesn't know on a social platform. What are the most appropriate and effective actions she should take?
Correct answer: update her privacy settings
Correct answer: block the user
change her profile picture
scroll on and hope it stops
Q6.
Jamie notices classmates posting unkind and mocking comments about another pupil under a shared video. What is the most responsible way for Jamie to respond?
add a light-hearted comment and emoji to blend in
Correct answer: report the comments and offer support to the targeted pupil
repost the video with a warning to all of his followers

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
There can be serious consequences for those who others online.
Correct Answer: harass, bully
Q2.
Match the term to the definition.
Correct Answer:harassment,when someone repeatedly bothers, bullies or disturbs another person

when someone repeatedly bothers, bullies or disturbs another person

Correct Answer:hate speech,illegal language to attack others based on protected characteristics

illegal language to attack others based on protected characteristics

Correct Answer:bystander,someone who witnesses something

someone who witnesses something

Q3.
Over several weeks, a group of users has been posting cruel comments under Samira’s videos, mocking her name and appearance. The messages have become more aggressive. What is this an example of?
just harmless teasing that should be ignored
a disagreement that doesn’t count as serious
Correct answer: targeting a person online with harassment
Q4.
Why is retaliating against someone who is harassing you online not a good idea?
It shows them you’re just as strong.
It helps prove your point to others.
Correct answer: It might make the situation worse.
Q5.
What should you do if someone is being harassed online?
watch but stay silent so you don’t get involved
join in to defend your friend by insulting the bully
Correct answer: report the content and block the person
Correct answer: support the person being targeted
Q6.
Gia has received threatening messages online for weeks and feels unsafe. What could happen if she reports it?
Correct answer: the police may become involved if the messages are threatening
she might be blamed for starting the argument
she will automatically be banned from the platform
Correct answer: she would be protected by laws that deal with online harassment