​This is a learning resource which offers lesson plans, discussion points and information on the dangers of online sectarian and offensive behaviour and the consequences for future employment or further education opportunities. Pastoral care staff have found the resource promotes learners to have a high level of engagement with the topic.

How to use this resource

It is recommended that staff read Tackling sectarianism: An overview of resources  and use the Timeline professional learning resource  as preparation for delivering this anti-sectarian resource.

Background

"The lessons have helped deepen my understanding of how sectarianism affects us in many different ways. I feel after the 6 lessons I understood areas of sectarianism that exists on our doorstep and how I could contribute better to prevent this. Enjoyed the way the lessons were delivered too" Pupil, S6 Leadership Team and Vice Captain

"The lessons were inspiring and very connecting for young people. I watched senior pupils identify with aspects of the work as well as learn about ways to protect against sectarianism." DHT Holyrood Secondary School

Recent legislation and a rise in online hate crime, some of which is around the topic of sectarianism, means that the likelihood of prosecution for online offensive behaviour has increased. This could have a significant negative impact on employability. Indeed, online offensive behaviour when in employment could also affect employability.

Improvement questions

• How does this work link with the range of  protected characteristics that are defined by the Equality Act (2010)?
• To what extent do our learners understand the concept of sectarianism?
• To what extent do our learners understand the links between employability and their use of social media?
• To what extent do we explore the impact of discrimination and prejudice on employability?

Explore this resource

Increasingly, employers and further education establishments are monitoring the social media activity of both potential candidates and current employees and students. To better prepare our young people, this series of workshops explores prejudice and discrimination with participants. It also examines the history of sectarianism in Scotland in relation to employment and explains the impact and purpose of recent legislation.

Using real life examples and related activities, the purpose of this lesson pack is to explain the links between employability, social media and sectarianism in the current context. Senior learners take part in two 50 minute lessons with additional research encouraged. A series of PowerPoint presentations on the same topic are available in the download section.

Content author

Sense Over Sectarianism

Downloads

PDF file: Employment, social media and sectarianism (464 KB)

PPT file: Employment, Social Media and Sectarianism - Week one (313 KB)

PPT file: Employment, Social Media and Sectarianism - Week two (318 KB)

PPT file: Employment, Social Media and Sectarianism - Week three (245 KB)

PPT file: Employment, Social Media and Sectarianism - Week four (266 KB)

PPT file: Employment, Social Media and Sectarianism - Week five (242 KB)