Online Relationships wellbeing lesson plan
A secondary wellbeing lesson for Years 6 to 9 that helps Australian teachers introduce online relationships, digital communication and healthy connection through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn to recognise what healthy online relationships look like, think critically about digital choices such as privacy and misinformation, and practise respectful communication that supports genuine human connection online.
Online Safety, AI & Digital Literacy
Snapshot
Online Relationships
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to help students navigate online relationships with confidence and care. Feedback: 4.4/5 from 127 teacher ratings
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Building healthy online relationships and respectful digital communication
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise the features of a healthy online relationship, such as respect, honesty and consideration before sharing information.
Recognise when online behaviour, content or requests may raise privacy or safety concerns.
Recognise signs of misinformation or misleading content shared online.
Understand
Understand how digital footprints can affect relationships and reputation over time.
Understand that online and offline relationships share similar expectations of respect and care.
Practise
Practise using respectful language and communication in online interactions.
Practise making thoughtful decisions about what to share, with whom and why.
Practise identifying trusted adults or support options if an online relationship feels unsafe.
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary students in Years 6 to 9 who are actively using social media, messaging apps and other online platforms to connect with others.
It is suitable for:
secondary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or advisory sessions
digital literacy or online safety units
respectful relationships programs
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student 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 and digital citizenship Use when students are beginning to explore digital literacy, online behaviour and respectful communication.
Building a respectful relationships unit Use when extending relationship skills into online contexts and social media use.
Reinforcing digital footprint awareness Use when students need reminders about how online choices can affect relationships and reputation.
Supporting critical thinking about online content Use when students need practice questioning misinformation or AI generated content.
Preparing for increased online independence Use ahead of transitions where students take on more responsibility for their own devices or accounts.
Creating a structured wellbeing discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led conversation about healthy connection online.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Students spend a significant part of their social lives online, so they need practical skills for building and maintaining healthy relationships in digital spaces, not just warnings about risk. Understanding online relationships is not only about avoiding harm. It is also about helping students recognise respectful communication, think critically about the content and connections they encounter, and value genuine human connection alongside the benefits technology offers. The lesson supports students to approach online spaces with confidence and judgement, helping them build habits that support both their wellbeing and their relationships now and as they take on more digital independence.
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 Students think critically about online content, including misinformation and AI generated information.
Respectful communication Students practise language and behaviour that supports positive online interactions.
Privacy awareness Students consider what to share online and understand the impact of digital footprints.
Relationship skills Students explore how respect, honesty and consideration apply to online connections.
Critical thinking Students question the reliability of information and requests they encounter online.
Help-seeking Students identify trusted adults or support options if an online relationship feels unsafe.
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 students not to name classmates or share stories about other people's online interactions
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios, not personal disclosures
Make clear the lesson is about building skills and judgement, not blaming particular apps, platforms or behaviours
Identify trusted adults students can speak to at school if an online situation feels unsafe
During delivery
Use everyday examples such as group chats, social media posts and online friendships
Give students time to discuss and practise respectful ways of communicating online
Balance safety considerations with genuine discussion about the benefits of staying connected online
Allow students to respond through discussion, written reflection or small group work depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that asking for help with an online concern is a responsible choice
Explain that unsafe requests or behaviour online can be shared with a trusted adult
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
Adaptation options
Use small group discussion for confident classes and individual reflection for quieter groups
Spend more time on privacy and digital footprints if students need extra support in this area
Extend discussion on misinformation and AI for classes with more digital literacy experience
