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The  course first ran on EU Academy in June 2025, and is still available in a self-paced format. 

Participants explored how to support young people in navigating digital spaces safely and confidently, with a focus on addressing online gender-based violence (OGBV). These learning pathways equipped teachers with the tools and strategies to recognise, prevent and respond to harmful behaviours that affect learners’ wellbeing, identity and self-expression – online and offline.

The learning activities below offer valuable ideas and inspiration to teachers who want to foster a classroom culture grounded in empathy, consent and digital literacy, to empower learners in building safer, more respectful online communities. 

The learning activities have been reviewed and curated by the course coordinator. A big thank you to the authors: 

Beatrice Bucur, Giorgia Marzullo, Jasenka Marmilić, Loriana Casadei, Athanasios Pnevmatikos, Vasiliki Christoforou

Exploring media messages through role play, analysis and film reflection

Age category: 11–12 years

Ron Lach / Pexels

In this project, pupils aged 11–12 years explored the topic of gender stereotypes in the media through storytelling, critical analysis and creative expression. The teacher guided learners in identifying stereotypes and prejudices in everyday situations and advertisements, encouraging empathy, reflection and respectful dialogue. 
As part of the project, pupils engaged in role play, analysed real media content and discussed the impact stereotypes can have on society and identity . They concluded the project by interpreting a short film, using visual symbolism as a vehicle for understanding and expressing their ideas about equality and inclusion.
‘Developing this activity challenged me to rethink my instructional 
approach and deepen my commitment to addressing real-world issues 
through participatory and reflective teaching methods.’

Author: Athanasios Pnevmatikos
Download the activity ‘Be a digital hero: stop gender-based violence’

 
Tackling online gender violence through guided discussion and collaborative poster design

Age category: 11–13 years

August de Richelieu / Pexels

In this lesson, pupils aged 11–12 years explored online gender-based violence (OGBV) as part of a thematic unit on Internet Safety and Human Rights. The teacher guided its learners in defining and recognising various forms of gender-based violence, reflecting on its emotional and social impact and developing strategies for positive online behaviour.
The project began with a video and discussion to activate prior knowledge. Pupils then collaborated in groups to design posters promoting online respect and safety. The lesson concluded with a reflective exercise and a class pledge to be a ‘digital defender’ against online violence.
‘Designing this activity helped me explore innovative, inclusive approaches to teaching sensitive topics, while deepening my understanding of how digital tools can support student empathy and critical thinking.’

Author: Vasiliki Christoforou
Download the activity ‘Tackling gender-based violence online’

 
Promoting digital respect and empathy through quizzes, role-playing and a ‘secret box’ reflection

Age category: 12–13 years 

cottonbro studio / Pexels

In this lesson, pupils aged 12–13 years explored online gender-based violence (OGBV) as part of a broader curriculum on digital citizenship, ethics and emotional education. The teacher guided learners in recognising and responding to OGBV, introducing the concepts of digital respect and empathy. The lesson supported pupils' personal and social development by promoting safe and respectful behaviour in digital environments.
The project began with an interactive quiz to activate prior knowledge and encourage reflection on online behaviours. This was followed by a collaborative activity where students participated in a ‘truths and myths’ game and acted out role-play scenarios. The lesson concluded with a reflective exercise where students anonymously shared their thoughts and questions in a ‘secret box’ to facilitate a final discussion.
‘Working on the design of this activity reaffirmed how powerful a playful, student-centred approach can be when addressing even the most complex topics.’

Author: Giorgia Marzulla 
Download the activity ‘Ctrl+Alt_Respect: Recognise, respond and support against online gender-based violence’

 
Respect, consent & safety in the digital world: an exploration of digital ethics

Age category: 12–14 years 
 

Nataliya Vaitkevich / Pexels

In this lesson, pupils aged 12−14 years were introduced to key concepts of online gender-based violence, digital consent and sex positivity. Through a series of interactive activities and discussions, the lesson promoted empathy and digital safety, empowering pupils to navigate online interactions confidently and responsibly.
The project began by establishing class agreements to create a safe learning space. Pupils then participated in a collaborative activity in which they sorted online scenarios into categories: respectful, harmful or uncertain. The lesson concluded with a reflective exercise in which they practiced responding to digital dilemmas through role-playing and scripted responses, which helped build confidence in setting boundaries and expressing empathy.
‘Creating this activity broadened my teaching strategies and reinforced the value of bringing real-world topics into the classroom.’

Author: Loriana Casadei
Download the activity ‘Respect, consent & safety in the digital world’

 
Recognising gender stereotypes and prejudices in the media

Age category: 12−15 years
 

Obregonia D. Toretto / Pexels

In this lesson, learners aged 12–15 years explored gender stereotypes and prejudices in the media, with a special emphasis on advertisements. The lesson promoted critical thinking, visual literacy and social-emotional skills by connecting to prior knowledge in civics, language, art and computer science.
The project began with a role-playing activity to learn how to resolve situations involving prejudice. ������Ƶers then critically analysed advertisements to identify gender stereotypes. The lesson concluded with a film reflection and discussion, where pupils synthesised their learning and explored ways to challenge existing stereotypes.
‘As a school librarian, by designing the activity 'Recognising gender stereotypes and prejudices in the media', I gained valuable experience that strengthened my role in promoting media literacy and preventing gender-based violence online. 
The activity encourages students to think critically about media content and contributes to creating a safer environment, highlighting the important role of school librarians in the prevention of gender stereotypes and prejudices in the media.’

Author: Jasenka Marmilić
Download the activity ‘Recognising gender stereotypes and prejudices in the media’

#NoHate: say NO to gender-based violence online through scenarios and discussion

Age category: 13–18 years

Tim Mossholder / Pexels

In this lesson, secondary school learners aged 13−18 years explored online gender-based violence as part of an interactive, awareness-raising lesson on digital safety. The teacher guided learners to recognise, understand and respond to online gender-based violence, developing strategies to promote respectful and inclusive communication. It fostered inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding, especially in mixed-gender classrooms.
The project activated prior knowledge through role-playing realistic online scenarios that involve harassment. ������Ƶers then engaged in a collaborative activity in which they analysed fictional posts and developed constructive responses. The lesson concluded with a reflective exercise: learners made a personal commitment and contributed to a class pledge to be a ‘digital defender’ against online violence. 
‘Bringing this topic into the classroom sparked meaningful dialogue and reminded me of the power of education to shape empathy and action.’

Author: Beatrice Bucur
Download the activity ‘#NoHate: Say NO to gender-based violence online’&�Բ�����;