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Teaching critical thinking about online influencers
This RSE & PSHE video supports teachers in helping pupils understand who online influencers are and how they can affect the way people think, feel and behave. It explains that influencers build audiences through online content and often share videos, reviews, tutorials, challenges and recommendations that can shape opinions, interests and purchasing decisions. The video encourages teachers to help pupils recognise the different forms influencer content can take and explore why certain content may appear appealing or trustworthy.
The video provides guidance on developing pupils’ critical thinking skills when engaging with influencer content. Teachers are encouraged to explore persuasive techniques such as enthusiastic presentation, confident language and carefully selected or edited content, while helping pupils understand that popularity does not automatically mean reliability. The video also explains that influencers may be paid to promote products or receive sponsorships and free items, often identified through labels such as #ad or sponsored. Alongside discussing potential risks, the video highlights that influencers can also have a positive impact by promoting creativity, kindness and healthy habits. Throughout, the focus is on helping pupils question motives, evaluate trustworthiness and make informed decisions about the content they encounter online.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s RSE & PSHE KS2 videos, which enable teachers and pupils to explore growth and change and help develop personal, social and emotional skills, as well as an understanding of relationships and health education.
See more of our Year 5 RSE & PSHE scheme of work.
