Lesson Overview
| Duration | 45 minutes |
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| Key Stage | KS2 (Years 3-6) |
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| Subject Links | PSHE, Citizenship, SMSC |
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| Resources Needed | Pupil handouts, Quiz, Presentation slides |
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Learning Objectives
- Understand that being unkind online hurts just as much as being unkind in person
- Know what cyberbullying is and how it differs from a one-off unkind comment
- Know what to do if they or a friend is being bullied online
- Feel confident telling a trusted adult
- Understand the responsibility to be kind online
Key Information
- More than half of children say they have experienced unkind behaviour online
- Cyberbullying can happen any time — even at home — unlike school bullying
- Children who are bullied online are more likely to feel sad, worried, and not want to go to school
- Most children who bully online think it is less serious because they can't see the person they are hurting
Legal Framework
- Being unkind or threatening online can be a criminal offence
- Schools have a duty to investigate cyberbullying even if it happens outside school
- It is never okay to be unkind to someone online, even as a joke
Lesson Plan
5 mins Starter
Would you say this to someone's face? Display a series of online comments and ask pupils to respond.
10 mins What Is Cyberbullying?
Explain the difference between a one-off unkind comment and repeated, deliberate bullying behaviour. Names, exclusion, spreading rumours, sharing pictures.
10 mins How It Feels
Explore the impact using age-appropriate scenarios. Cyberbullying can happen at any time, including at home — there's no escape.
10 mins What Can You Do?
Don't respond. Screenshot. Block. Tell a trusted adult. You are not a grass — you are looking after yourself and your friend.
10 mins Being an Upstander
What is an upstander? How can you help a friend who is being bullied online without putting yourself at risk?
5 mins Class Pledge
Each pupil signs a class online kindness pledge.
⚠️ Safeguarding Considerations
- Cyberbullying can be severe and has been linked to self-harm and suicide in young people
- If a child discloses severe bullying involving threats or explicit content, refer to DSL
- Be aware of children who are becoming increasingly withdrawn or anxious around devices
If a pupil makes a disclosure during this session, follow your school's safeguarding procedures and refer to your DSL immediately.
Key Messages
- Being unkind online is still being unkind — words on a screen hurt real people
- Cyberbullying is repeated and deliberate — a one-off comment is still wrong but not the same
- Screenshot, block, and tell an adult
- Being an upstander — standing up for a friend — is one of the most powerful things you can do
- You will never be in trouble for telling
Support Resources
| Organisation | Contact | Purpose |
|---|
| Childline | 0800 1111 | 24/7 support for young people |
| Crimestoppers | 0800 555 111 | 100% anonymous reporting |
| CEOP | ceop.police.uk | Report online exploitation |
| NSPCC | 0808 800 5000 | Child protection advice |
| Emergency | 999 | Immediate danger |