In the past few years, our teens and young adults’ screen time has soared. Millions of messages are coming at them, including hate-based rhetoric designed to look like harmless internet activity. It’s not a matter of if they will find hate online – it’s a matter of when. Trusting that your family’s values will protect them is not enough. It’s our job to help teens and young adults screen for hateful activity online and seek help when needed.
In the past few years, our teens and young adults’ screen time has soared. Millions of messages are coming at them, including hate-based rhetoric designed to look like harmless internet activity. It’s not a matter of if they will find hate online – it’s a matter of when. Trusting that your family’s values will protect them is not enough. It’s our job to help teens and young adults screen for hateful activity online and seek help when needed.
S.C.R.E.E.N. HATE
tart a conversation with teens and young adults in your life
reate an environment where they feel comfortable sharing
emind them that hate-based violence is wrong
ngage when they talk about games, videos or social media
nlist the help of a professional if you think your teen or young adult is at risk
ever ignore a threat of violence
Click on a step below for more information:
Educate yourself on the technology they’re using. Get to know the platforms.
Start the conversation early and engage often.
Stay alert to what teens and young adults are doing online and informed on the issue of hate-based violence.
Act if anything makes you feel uncomfortable.