Lockdown and the internet Lesson Presentation

The recent lesson presentation from VotesforSchools aimed at Years 4-6 delves into the critical topic of internet safety, particularly in the context of lockdown. The session starts with a lively discussion where students are encouraged to share their experiences of seeing funny, scary, or interesting content online, prompting them to reflect on the nature of their internet encounters. A subsequent challenge asks them to consider whether their online experiences are predominantly amusing, intriguing, or frightening. The core of the lesson explores the pertinent question: "Has lockdown made the internet more dangerous?" This inquiry sets the stage for a week-long learning journey where students will scrutinise the concept of radicalisation, its occurrence, and how to express their views safely online.

As part of the learning journey, the presentation partners with the Counter Terrorism Police to help students understand the meaning of radicalisation and to identify extreme views. Through interactive activities, students are encouraged to evaluate different statements and actions to determine if they are extreme, fostering critical thinking about the opinions they encounter online. The lesson also presents real-life scenarios that illustrate how individuals can be vulnerable to radicalisation, especially during lockdown when internet usage has surged. These scenarios prompt students to identify warning signs and consider appropriate responses to extreme views. The presentation culminates in a toolkit activity, where children brainstorm tools to help others stay safe online, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and open communication with trusted adults when navigating the digital world.