Stop hate speech and cyberbullying
We use the Internet daily. It makes our lives easier in a number of ways, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it can also do us harm. Some people say hurtful things to others on the Internet, and it is not fun to be on the receiving end. Get ready to learn how to identify cyberbullying and hate speech… and how to stop it!
Warm up
Discuss with your buddy the questions below one after the other:
- What do you use the Internet for? (You can get some ideas from following this presentation)
- How often are you using the internet?
- What do you like most about the Internet?
- What do you dislike most about the Internet? You can get some ideas here
- What would you like to change about how you and other people use the internet?
Learn
The internet plays a role in almost everything we do, from having friendships, to entertainment, to learning and schoolwork, and generally making sense of the world around us.
However... more than half of young people who are active on social media have experienced cyberbullying and cyberhate at some point.
Make sure you know what these terms mean!
Dive in 1
Let’s start with Hate Speech.
Do you think Hate Speech is protected by the right to Freedom of Expression and information?
Yes/No: why?
Are you unsure what freedom of expression is? Check it out here.
Did you consider the following in the answers that you gave?
Dive in 2
Hate speech can have horrible consequences for a group of people being targeted online and for society as a whole.
It is for this reason that hate speech is prohibited, perpetrators are punishable with a fine and a custodial sentence is given.
However, hate speech is still present around us, above all online.
What should you do if you experience a situation involving cyberhate?
Brainstorm with your buddy different strategies you could use if you are faced with a cyberhate situation (in the form of text, video, audio, picture, illustration). You have 7’.
Done?
Check for any other ideas here!
Create 1
Let’s create a situation. Think of a situation which involves cyberbullying and create a case study! Create an imaginary person who has found themselves in a situation in which they are being bullied online. You can find some questions which will help you here.
Once you are done, grab a sheet of paper.
On one side of the sheet create an avatar (the person who is being bullied)
On the other side draw an image of a safe place (for example a house).
Now get ready to assist your avatar to get there!
Each answer you provide to one of the questions below can be taken as a step towards the right direction… a safe place!
- What steps does your avatar have to take in order to stay safe?
- Imagine the avatar was your friend. How would you support them?
- Who else can provide help in this situation?
Create a picture of your masterpiece and have it uploaded in the work.it area!
Before you proceed, check out some more ideas here!
Create 2
Now what if your avatar decides to meet the perrpetrator in order to face them and deal with the situation.
You can get an idea of such a situation here:
Write two short dialogues. One which ends successfully and one which does not.
Once you are finished you can upload it in the work.it area as a text or… you can be a bit creative and bring the dialogue alive using puppets,for example!
Reflect
If we had to have the internet turned off tomorrow, what would your reaction be? What would you miss the most? What would you miss the least?
Create a postcard showing this!
Download the free KIDS4ALLL app and your wish comes true!
