Challenging Disinformation and the Effect of Online Hate on Schools (Symposium): Aberdeen

Challenging Disinformation and the Effect of Online Hate in Schools

Young people are navigating an increasingly complex world where social media algorithms, influencers, and online actors can amplify disinformation, racism, misogyny and prejudicial narratives.

These online influences are increasingly shaping behaviours, with consequences not only for community cohesion but also for relationships, wellbeing, safeguarding and behaviour within schools.

As these influences become more visible in classrooms and wider school life, school leaders face growing challenges in responding to prejudice, recognising when harmful online narratives are affecting learners, and supporting young people to think critically about the content they encounter.

The challenge is not simply understanding this rapidly evolving and complex landscape, but knowing how to respond ethically and confidently.

How do we recognise harmful narratives?

How do we challenge prejudice without shutting down dialogue?

How do we support young people to question what they see and hear online?

How can leaders create critically conscious school cultures and communities?

We are delighted to be working with Time for inclusive Education (TIE) (https://tie.scot/) on our Challenging Disinformation and the Effect of Online Hate programme for school leaders who want to build the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies to meet these challenges.

The programme brings together research, evidence, case studies and practical scenarios to explore the journey from understanding the landscape, to recognising harm, to leading effective responses.

The programme consists of three online twilight sessions and one full day symposium (offered in Aberdeen and Glasgow).

Challenging Disinformation and the Effect of Online Hate on Schools (Symposium)

Friday 14 May 2027: 9am – 3.30pm (Aberdeen)

The programme concludes with an opportunity to come together in person with leaders from across Scotland. This interactive in-person symposium will move beyond individual learning to consider the bigger questions around how we work together as school leaders in Scotland.

The day will create space to share experiences and ideas, learn from one another and explore what effective leadership for justice, inclusion, and anti-prejudice education looks like in practice.

We will reflect on the learning from the three webinars and use facilitated discussion, scenarios and collaborative activities to explore:

What are we seeing in our schools and communities?

What responses are working — and what isn't?

How can we support one another when the issues are complex or contentious?

What do courageous leadership and inclusive practice look like in action?

What should schools, local authorities and education partners do next?

How can we build a stronger collective response across Scotland?

What further professional learning and research would support this work?

The day will finish by identifying practical next steps for leaders and opportunities for continued collaboration and action.

Please note that if you booked all three Challenging Disinformation and the Effect of Online Hate online events you can book this full day symposium in May (Aberdeen on 14th May or Glasgow on 21st May) at a discounted rate of £75. This offer is only open to SLS members.

Book online session one here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1995673850208?aff=oddtdtcreator).

Book online session two here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1995680460981?aff=oddtdtcreator).

Book online session three here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1995681826064?aff=oddtdtcreator).

Please see the SLS online Professional Learning Code of Conduct (https://www.sls-scotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SLS-Professional-Learning-Online-Code-of-Conduct-compressed.pdf).

Description supplied by the event organiser.