How can this
resource help?
- Subject area:
- Online safety
- Age group:
- KS 3, KS 4
- Format:
- Pdf, Presentation slides
When sophisticated algorithms interact with normal human cognitive biases, the effects can be significant. The information we encounter becomes increasingly personalised, while we naturally gravitate towards content that feels familiar, emotionally resonant or validating.
To help young people better understand these influences, Scarlett Addison, a Security and Crime Science student at UCL and previously a Prevent Intern at Lambeth Council, has developed a suite of workshop-style lessons. Rather than telling young people what to think, these sessions encourage them to explore how information reaches them, why certain content feels persuasive, and what they can do to become more thoughtful, critical and psychologically aware digital citizens.
Designed for tutorial time, citizenship, RSHE and pastoral interventions, the workshops cover fake news and misinformation, user-generated content versus journalism, and the role of algorithms and confirmation bias in shaping online experiences. Full lesson plans and teaching resources are available below.