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 everyone is different and all differences should be respected
- Know that unkind words about someone's identity can cause real hurt
- Recognise when someone is being treated unfairly because of who they are
- Feel confident standing up for a friend who is being treated unkindly
- Know that they can tell a trusted adult if they hear or see something hurtful
Key Information
- Every year, thousands of children are bullied because of their race, religion, or other parts of their identity
- Children who are bullied because of who they are often feel more hurt than other types of bullying
- Standing up for a friend who is being treated unfairly is one of the bravest and kindest things you can do
Legal Framework
- In the UK, it is against the law to be cruel or threatening to someone because of their race, religion, or other parts of who they are
- Hate crime is taken very seriously by the police
- Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity
Lesson Plan
5 mins Starter
Draw yourself. Share one thing that makes you who you are. Celebrate difference.
10 mins What Makes Us Different?
Explore diversity — culture, religion, language, disability, family structure. All differences are part of who we are.
10 mins When Difference Is Unkind
Introduce the concept of prejudice and discrimination in age-appropriate terms. Why do some people treat others unkindly because of who they are?
10 mins Being an Upstander
What can you do when you see someone treated unfairly? Practise upstander phrases.
10 mins How It Feels
Read a short story from a child's perspective who has experienced prejudice. Discuss: how does it feel? What should happen?
5 mins Class Charter
Agree class rules for treating everyone fairly.
⚠️ Safeguarding Considerations
- Some children may have personal experience of hate-based bullying or discrimination
- Be sensitive to children whose identity may be targeted by this form of prejudice
- If a child discloses hate-based bullying, follow school anti-bullying and safeguarding procedures
If a pupil makes a disclosure during this session, follow your school's safeguarding procedures and refer to your DSL immediately.
Key Messages
- Everyone is different — and that is what makes our world interesting and wonderful
- Being unkind about someone's identity (race, religion, disability, etc.) is a special kind of wrong
- Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity
- If you see someone treated unfairly, you can make a difference by being an upstander
- Tell a trusted adult — you will never be in trouble for standing up for what's right
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 |