Understanding Cyberbullying

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 60-minute session, students will be able to:

• Define what cyberbullying means in simple terms.
• Identify different examples and effects of cyberbullying.
• Explain key strategies to stay safe online.
• Demonstrate appropriate ways to respond if they or others experience cyberbullying.

These objectives align with the National Curriculum for England Key Stage 2 Computing Programme of Study, particularly:

• Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly
• Recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour
• Identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

---

Key Vocabulary

• Cyberbullying – Hurtful or mean messages or actions using computers, phones, or tablets.
• Online safety – Staying safe when using the internet.
• Respect – Treating others kindly.
• Report – Telling a trusted adult about something wrong.
• Privacy – Keeping personal information safe.

---

Resources

• Large colourful visual poster defining cyberbullying with pictures
• Simple illustrated scenarios cards showing different cyberbullying situations
• Emotion flashcards showing feelings like sad, scared, happy, confused
• Tablet or interactive whiteboard to display images and short videos (no words required)
• Paper, crayons, and markers for drawing
• "What Would You Do?" worksheet with simple choice questions

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Greet students and briefly explain today's topic: "Today, we are learning about something called cyberbullying and how to stay safe."
• Show the visual poster of cyberbullying and go through it slowly, using simple language and gestures.
• Use emotion flashcards: Ask students to show how someone might feel if they are cyberbullied? Validate all answers.

2. What is Cyberbullying? (10 minutes)

• Show 3 illustrated scenario cards depicting clear but simple examples (e.g., mean message, excluding someone online, sharing secrets).
• Read each scenario aloud, then ask: "Is this kind or unkind? What is happening?"
• Encourage short answers or nonverbal responses (thumbs up/down).

3. Effects of Cyberbullying (5 minutes)

• Using emotion flashcards, review feelings that someone might have if cyberbullied (sad, scared, lonely).
• Keep language simple: "Cyberbullying can make people feel bad. We want everyone to feel safe and happy."

4. Staying Safe Online (10 minutes)

• Present 4 simple rules with matching pictures on the board/tablet:
  1. Keep your passwords secret.
  2. Don’t share personal info.
  3. Only be friends with people you know.
  4. Tell an adult if something worries you.
• Use role play: Call two volunteers to act out telling a trusted adult about a mean message. Model clear, kind language.

5. How to Respond (10 minutes)

• Hand out the “What Would You Do?” worksheet with 3 simple scenarios and 2-3 picture-based response options (e.g., Tell an adult / Ignore / Reply back).
• Discuss answers as a class gently emphasising the safest choices.
• Reinforce "It's always okay to ask for help."

6. Creative Reflection Activity (10 minutes)

• Ask students to draw one rule to stay safe or how they would feel helping a friend who is cyberbullied.
• Allow time to share drawings with the group if comfortable. Use this to reinforce positive behaviour and empathy.

---

Assessment & Feedback

• Observations: Monitor participation in discussions, thumbs up/down responses, and role play.
• Worksheet review: Check selections for appropriate responses to cyberbullying scenarios.
• Drawing reflection: Use drawings and explanations to assess understanding of key safety messages.
• Provide positive and specific verbal feedback, linking back to cyberbullying definitions and safety rules.

---

Differentiation for SEN Needs

• Use visual aids and gestures consistently.
• Keep language very simple and concrete.
• Allow nonverbal responses (pointing, thumbs up/down) in discussions.
• Provide repeated instructions and check understanding individually.
• Offer extra time and scaffolded support during worksheet and drawing tasks.

---

This lesson plan builds empathy, digital awareness, and practical skills that are essential for a safe, respectful online experience—fully rooted in the National Curriculum requirements for safe, responsible technology use at KS2 level.