TCN Live: The Hidden Influence: Teaching About Algorithmic Harm

Algorithms increasingly shape what young people see, believe and engage with online, influencing everything from body image and consumer choices to the information they trust and the opinions they form. While these systems are designed to personalise online experiences, they can also create echo chambers, amplify misinformation and reinforce increasingly polarised viewpoints by repeatedly serving similar content. In some cases, this can expose young people to harmful ideologies, extremist rhetoric and other online harms.

This practical CPD session will explore what algorithmic harm looks like, why it matters in education and how schools can help students develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an increasingly personalised digital landscape. Join expert educators as they share practical approaches for discussing algorithms, online influence and digital responsibility in age-appropriate ways, while considering the role of curriculum, pastoral support and whole-school culture in preparing young people to engage safely, critically and confidently with the online world.

Whether you're developing your digital literacy curriculum, strengthening online safety education or looking for ways to help students better understand the forces shaping their online experiences, this session will provide practical ideas, classroom strategies and fresh perspectives that can be adapted across a range of school settings.

• A clearer understanding of how algorithms shape young people's online experiences, including how personalised content can influence beliefs, amplify misinformation, create echo chambers and contribute to wider online harms.

• Practical approaches for teaching students about algorithms and digital influence Gain strategies for helping students understand how online platforms work, question what they see online and develop stronger critical thinking skills.

• Ideas for embedding conversations about online harms across the curriculum Discover how schools can approach topics such as misinformation, identity, wellbeing, social media influence and online safety through curriculum, pastoral and safeguarding approaches.

• Real examples of effective practice from schools
  Hear from educators who are navigating these challenges in their settings, including how they engage students, support staff confidence and create a whole-school approach to digital wellbeing.

Introduction and Welcome
Claire King: Head of Networks
An introduction to the event and its speakers, including an overview of the key themes that will be explored and important information about what attendees can expect from the session.

Keynote Presentation: Understanding the hidden influence of algorithms
This keynote will introduce the hidden ways algorithms influence what young people see, engage with and believe online. It will explore why algorithmic harm matters for wellbeing, identity and misinformation, and consider how schools can equip students to become more critical, informed and empowered digital citizens.

Panel Discussion:
Our panel will explore how algorithms shape young people’s online experiences and how schools can help students recognise and question their influence. Panellists will share practical approaches to developing algorithmic literacy, addressing echo chambers and online harms, building staff confidence and embedding these conversations across the curriculum, pastoral support and wider school culture.

Closing comments and certificate link
Claire King: Head of Networks
A summary of the key learning, followed by information about the recording, post-event pack, feedback form and CPD certificate. Attendees can also connect with our sponsor and discover upcoming Curriculum Network events.