Managing Privacy Online PSHE lesson plan
A secondary PSHE lesson for Years 7 to 9 that helps UK teachers introduce online privacy through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils look at how personal information is shared, stored and viewed online, and consider the choices they make when using social media and the internet. Pupils learn to recognise what counts as personal information, understand how privacy settings and online sharing affect them, and practise thinking critically about what they post, share and trust online.
Online Safety, AI & Digital Literacy
Snapshot
Managing Privacy Online
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce online privacy without turning the discussion into a warning about technology. Feedback: 4.1/5 from 46 teacher ratings
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding online privacy and making informed choices about personal information
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise what counts as personal information online, such as location, photos and contact details
Recognise how privacy settings can control who sees shared information
Recognise that information posted online can be difficult to fully remove
Understand
Understand why some personal information is more sensitive to share than others
Understand how online sharing can build up into a wider digital footprint
Practise
Practise checking privacy settings and sharing choices before posting
Practise questioning whether online information or sources can be trusted
Practise using respectful language when discussing online behaviour and choices
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for pupils in Years 7 to 9 who are actively using social media and the internet and are ready to think more critically about their online choices.
It is suitable for:
secondary PSHE lessons
relationships education focused on online behaviour
pastoral care or form time discussions
digital literacy or computing crossover sessions
wider online safety learning
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing online safety learning Use when pupils need a clear starting point for thinking about personal information and privacy online.
Building classroom culture around digital behaviour Use when reinforcing respectful and thoughtful use of social media and online platforms.
Supporting inclusion in digital spaces Use when pupils need to understand how their online choices affect themselves and others.
Practising critical digital thinking Use when pupils are learning to question information, sources or requests before sharing personal details.
Preparing for transition Use when pupils are gaining more independent access to devices, apps or social media accounts.
Creating a structured PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led session on privacy, sharing and online decision making.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils are making decisions about personal information online every day, often without thinking about how far that information can travel or how long it can remain visible. Understanding privacy is not only about avoiding risk. It is also about helping pupils feel confident making informed choices when they use social media and the internet. This lesson supports a classroom culture where thinking critically about online sharing feels normal rather than alarming. Pupils learn that they have some control over their privacy and that pausing to check settings, sources or information is a useful habit rather than a sign of distrust in technology itself.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Digital literacy Pupils build understanding of what personal information is and how it can be shared.
Critical thinking Pupils practise questioning online information and sources before trusting them.
Self-management Pupils consider privacy settings and sharing choices they can control.
Decision making Pupils weigh up what is appropriate to share in different online contexts.
Respectful communication Pupils reflect on how their online behaviour affects others.
Help-seeking Pupils learn that questions about privacy or online concerns can be raised with a trusted adult.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to name classmates or describe specific personal posts or accounts
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios rather than personal disclosures
Check pupils understand the lesson is about building safe habits, not judging how anyone currently uses social media
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
During delivery
Use general examples such as location sharing, photos or profile details rather than specific apps or platforms unless pupils raise them
Keep the tone balanced, treating technology as a normal part of pupil life rather than something to fear
Give pupils time to discuss and question examples rather than simply listing rules
Encourage pupils to think about both their own privacy and how their choices affect others
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that pupils are not expected to share their own online activity or personal accounts
Remind pupils that questions about privacy settings or online concerns can be raised with a trusted adult after the lesson
Keep examples general so pupils can discuss without exposing personal information
Adaptation options
Use paired discussion for pupils who are less confident speaking in whole class settings
Extend the discussion into digital footprints for pupils who are ready to think further ahead
Spend more time on privacy settings if pupils are less familiar with how they work
