APP COMBATS ONLINE HATE

The EradicateHate 2.0 app launched by the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) in collaboration with the Anti-hate Community Leaders Group, aims to equip youth-focused organizations, educators, parents and young victims of online hate with digital literacy tools to combat online hate.

With tutorials, reflection activities, and infographics, the content also addresses hateful attitudes and beliefs which stem from racist and xenophobic ideologies which result in online hate content.

A recent study conducted by Concordia University of youth 18-25, found that online hate is growing in Canada to the extent that it has become normalized. Constant exposure to hate speech and hate content can make children and youth feel that this is the new “normal” and a part of the social discourse, which can lead to a decline in individuals willing to challenge online hate speech due to a fear of further scrutiny from their peers.

“This App is one of the first of its kind in Canada and was much needed,” said Samya Hasan, executive director, CASSA. “We heard and witnessed what our young people are experiencing and responded with education and resources that can help them be safe online,”

To engage children and youth effectively, the #EradicateHate app utilized various modes and styles of communication that resonate with young people including the power of storytelling, social media, animations, graphics, posters, cell phone apps, and games. The toolkit and app underwent multiple phases and included consultations from hundreds of youth, educators, parents, and community members.

“I was a target of a hate crime at the age of 18 as a visible Muslim woman,” says Noor Fadel, co-manager at CASSA for Combating Online Hate for Children and Youth. “I thought the worst night of my life was the physical attack itself. Until I had the courage to speak out and share my experience online. I received hundreds and thousands of hate messages and threats. I can’t even remember the physical pain of my attack, but I have struggled to forget and recover, reading all those messages I received. It’s worse as once things go online they never disappear. It gives me hope to see organizations understanding the reality of how harmful online hate is, and we must do our best to bring awareness, support and create resources to allow children and youth to access when witnessing or experiencing online hate. I wish I had these resources available to me when I was experiencing online hate.”

All material is available for public use in English and French. Content for parents is also translated in French, Arabic, simplified Chinese, Punjabi and Tamil.

The app is free to download on Apple Store and Google Play. All content can also be downloaded from the App or CASSA’s website.