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In today's digital era, children are exposed to the internet at increasingly younger ages. While the internet offers a world of educational and social opportunities, it also presents serious risks, such as exposure to online hate speech. The more parents and teachers can educate kids about the causes and consequences of hate speech, the more likely rising generations are to stamp it out and become conscientious digital citizens.
What Is Hate Speech?
Start by explaining to your child or student what hate speech is: any form of communication, on- or offline, that offends, threatens, or insults individuals or groups based on attributes like race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, or similar characteristics. Examples of hate speech can range from derogatory comments and racial slurs to memes that perpetuate stereotypes.
The internet has become a breeding ground for hate speech, particularly on social media. Children may encounter it in the comments section of a YouTube video, in an Instagram meme, or even in a group chat with friends. It’s crucial to teach kids how to recognize and avoid it, and above all, why they should not engage in it.
The Causes of Hate Speech
Understanding the causes of internet hate speech can help kids to understand not just why it’s out there, but why it’s so deeply harmful. Explain to your child or student (in age-appropriate ways) that hateful messages can be:
Rooted in ignorance, prejudice, peer pressure, or bad influences, as well as anger, fear, insecurity, or resentment that is actually unrelated to the group of people being attacked
Related to other forms of in-person or online bullying
More frequently seen online than off, since internet anonymity emboldens people to express unethical views that they might not share in person
Made worse by the polarized nature of today's society and politics
Spread and encouraged by social media algorithms, which create echo chambers that can “validate” these harmful views by exposing people only to opinions similar to their own
The Harmful Effects of Hate Speech
The most important thing to impress on young people is that internet hate speech is not funny or harmless. It can have severe consequences on mental health, leading to emotional distress and disorders, social isolation, and poor academic performance. In extreme cases, it can ultimately result in self-harm, violence toward others, or suicide. In addition, it can normalize bigotry and contribute to a culture of intolerance and discrimination.
Although lessons about online hate speech should begin at home, it’s essential that educators have in-depth discussions with students about the sources and effects of hateful messaging and how to cope with it. You can do this in innovative ways that reach multiple grade levels at once by inviting an internet safety expert guest speaker to your next school assembly.
Teach Kids Cybersecurity Awareness With Net Positive
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens and leaders. We accomplish this by providing evidence-based programs with a focus on those that improve academic engagement, build character, and improve healthy behaviors.
Our Net Positive Program educates K-12 students about digital safety, health, citizenship, and leadership. After participating in our program, students are 97% better prepared to face internet dangers. Contact us to learn more and ask your school to schedule a Net Positive Presentation today!
References
Impact of online hate on young people | Internet Matters. (2019, November 13). Internet Matters. https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/question/what-is-the-real-world-impact-of-online-hate-speech-on-young-people/
Knorr, Caroline. “How to Talk to Your Kids about Online Hate Speech.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 Nov. 2018, www.cnn.com/2018/11/13/health/kids-online-hate-speech-parenting-partner/index.html.
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