Understanding Cyberbullying

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Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 7 SEN students to explore the topic of cyberbullying. Following the National Curriculum for England's Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) framework, the lesson aims to raise awareness, understand the impact of cyberbullying, and develop practical strategies to stay safe online.

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National Curriculum Links

• Health and Wellbeing (PSHE Association Programme of Study, KS3)

  • Pupils should understand how to keep themselves and others safe, including online safety and recognising hurtful behaviour (including bullying).
  • Pupils learn about the impact of bullying, including cyberbullying, and how to respond to it.

• Key Competencies:

  • Developing self-awareness and empathy
  • Recognising risk and making informed decisions
  • Communicating effectively about feelings and experiences

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Define what cyberbullying is using clear, simple terms.
2. Recognise examples of cyberbullying through images and scenarios.
3. Explain how cyberbullying can affect someone’s feelings and wellbeing.
4. Identify at least three strategies to stay safe and seek help online.

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Resources & Visual Support

• Clear, bright images/visuals depicting scenarios of cyberbullying and positive online behaviour (cartoon style, accessible design)
• Emotion cards with faces expressing feelings (sad, scared, angry, happy)
• Colourful flashcards illustrating strategies to stay safe online
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed scenario cards for group activity
• Reward stickers or stamps

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Lesson Breakdown (45 minutes)

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Warm-up (5 minutes):

  • Show an image of a happy and safe online interaction alongside a confused/sad cartoon character receiving a mean message.
  • Ask: “What do you see in these pictures? How do you think the characters feel?”
  • Use emotion cards to help pupils select feelings.
  • Define cyberbullying simply: “When someone sends mean messages or posts online to hurt someone else’s feelings.”

• Link to Pupils’ Experience (5 minutes):

  • Ask if anyone has heard the word cyberbullying before and what they think it means.
  • Emphasise: “Cyberbullying is not acceptable and can make people feel very sad or scared.”

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2. Interactive Scenario Activity (15 minutes)

• Group Work (3 groups of 5 pupils):

  • Hand out printed scenario cards showing simple, relatable examples of cyberbullying (e.g., mean text messages, exclusion in group chats) and positive online behaviour.
  • Pupils discuss in small groups: “Is this an example of cyberbullying or safe behaviour? How would it make someone feel?”
  • Groups use emotion cards to show feelings the person might have.

• Whole Class Sharing:

  • Groups feed back, explaining their decision. Teacher reinforces accurate understanding and clarifies misconceptions.

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3. Strategies to Stay Safe (10 minutes)

• Visual Flashcards Presentation:

  • Introduce 4 key strategies:
    1. Don’t respond to mean messages.
    2. Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher).
    3. Block the person who is being unkind.
    4. Keep personal information private online.

• Interactive Matching Game:

  • Mix up flashcards with strategy pictures and descriptions.
  • Pupils match the picture to the correct safety tip as a class activity on the whiteboard or on table mats.

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4. Reinforcement & Assessment (7 minutes)

• Feelings Check-In:

  • Show images of faces again; ask pupils how they feel about cyberbullying now and what they would do if they saw it happen.
  • Pupils can point to or hold up emotion cards.

• Quick Quiz - Thumb Up/Thumb Down:

  • Teacher reads short true/false or yes/no statements based on learning objectives (e.g., “It’s okay to send mean messages online.”).
  • Pupils respond with thumbs up or down to show understanding.

• Positive Reinforcement:

  • Praise contributions and give reward stickers for participation and correct answers.

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5. Summary and Next Steps (3 minutes)

• Recap main points: “Cyberbullying is when someone is unkind online. It can hurt feelings. We can stay safe by telling adults and blocking bullies.”
• Encourage pupils to talk to someone if they, or someone they know, is upset online.
• Explain briefly that in the next lesson they will learn more about being kind and responsible online.

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Differentiation & SEN Considerations

• Use simple, clear language throughout; avoid jargon.
• Provide printed visuals and emotion cards for non-verbal cue support.
• Group size kept small (15 pupils) with adults circulating for additional support.
• Activities designed with multisensory learning: visual, verbal, physical (matching cards).
• Allow extra processing time and scaffolded questioning.

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Reflective Teacher Notes

• Monitor pupil engagement and emotional response sensitively.
• Be prepared to offer reassurance and encourage sharing ideas in a safe space.
• Adapt activities for pupils with additional communication needs (e.g., using symbols or communication boards).

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This lesson plan aims to empower Year 7 SEN students with knowledge and confidence to recognise cyberbullying and respond safely, in line with the National Curriculum and PSHE best practice.