The Digital Impact

Curriculum Context

Subject: PSHE
Year Group: Year 6
Duration: 30 minutes
Curriculum Area: Citizenship and Personal Development (KS2)
Specific Learning Objectives:

• Understand the impact of social media on society and individual well-being.
• Develop critical thinking skills regarding online information and communication.
• Promote discussions on safe and responsible social media use.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify positive and negative aspects of social media.
2. Discuss the influence of social media on self-esteem and society.
3. Apply strategies for safe social media use.

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheets with social media scenarios
• Sticky notes and pens
• Projector (optional for visual aids)

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Greeting and Settling Down (1 minute)

   • Greet students warmly and ensure they are seated and ready for the lesson.

2. Introduction to Lesson Topic (4 minutes)

   • Ask the class: "Who uses social media?" and count the raised hands.
   • Briefly discuss what social media is and provide examples (e.g., Instagram, TikTok).
   • Explain the importance of understanding its impact on society.

Main Activities (20 minutes)

3. Activity 1: Group Brainstorm (5 minutes)

   • Divide the class into 5 groups of 5 students each.
   • Give each group sticky notes and ask them to write down positive and negative aspects of social media (one aspect per note).
   • Groups stick their notes onto the whiteboard under two columns labelled 'Positive' and 'Negative'.
   • Discuss the range of ideas presented, ensuring all students are included.

4. Activity 2: Scenario Discussions (10 minutes)

   • Each group receives a worksheet with a scenario related to social media (e.g., "A friend posts a photo without permission", "Seeing unrealistic images online").
   • Groups discuss the scenario and answer the questions:
     • What is happening in this scenario?
     • How might it make someone feel?
     • What could be done to handle this situation responsibly?
   • After 5 minutes, each group presents their scenario and thoughts to the class, encouraging open discussion.

5. Activity 3: Creating a 'Social Media Code of Conduct' (5 minutes)

   • On the whiteboard, create a 'Social Media Code of Conduct'.
   • Ask students for suggestions on safe and respectful social media use.
   • Ideas might include: "Always ask before posting someone’s photo", "Think before commenting", "Set time limits for usage".
   • Summarise and write down agreed points, ensuring all students contribute.

Plenary (5 minutes)

6. Reflection and Q&A (3 minutes)

   • Ask pupils to reflect on how they will change their social media behaviour based on today’s lesson.
   • Open the floor for any questions or final thoughts.

7. Closing (2 minutes)

   • Summarise key points from the lesson.
   • Encourage students to discuss the lesson with their family and to think about the positive and negative impacts of social media further in their own time.

Assessment

• Formative: Monitor students' engagement and contributions during group activities and discussions.
• Summative: Review the 'Social Media Code of Conduct' created to ensure understanding of key concepts.

Additional Notes

• Tailor the scenarios to reflect the most current social media trends relevant to the age group.
• Use examples and language that Year 6 students will find relatable and understandable.
• Consider including visual aids or short video clips if time allows and resources are available to enhance understanding.