One emotion is polluting the digital space: hatred. Or, to use the modern term: hate speech. No sooner does a female athlete fail, someone come out about their sexual orientation, or someone else step out of the norm, than the haters raise their voices. With vulgar remarks, derogatory comments and «funny» jokes that are, in truth, nothing but crude.
Hate speech is a problem that is increasingly affecting young people. A study by the Bern University of Teacher Education, published in 2023 in collaboration with other universities (Hate speech in adolescents: A binational study on prevalence and demographic differences, Melisa Castellanos et al. 2023), highlights the sheer scale of the issue: Well over 60 per cent of all pupils have already been confronted with hate speech – not only online, but also in «real» life.
We should refrain from doing online anything that we would never do in face-to-face situations.
Over 20 per cent even admitted to being perpetrators. At 94 per cent, the most frequently cited form of hate speech is the «joke» – a joke behind which the perpetrators can hide, claiming: «I didn't really mean it.» The hate is mainly directed at women and girls, people from migrant backgrounds and those of a different skin colour, as well as people based on their sexual orientation and religion.
As well as the sheer hatred that those affected have to endure, victims often feel a profound sense of helplessness in the face of these attacks. Even though the perpetrators usually believe they are remaining anonymous, they do leave traces. So: document the incidents, take screenshots and note down the time and date so that you are prepared to report them to the police.
Parents as role models
As adults , we have a responsibility to support our children in many ways. This starts with our own behaviour. Take the 2026 World Cup as an example: emotions are welcome, but recent history shows that when things go wrong, people are quick to blame the individual (whether man or woman) online.
Adults need to be aware that young people see posts like this and often copy them. That's why, even after a few beers, adults should not forget that they are role models.
Politicians are discussing whether to tighten or amend the laws. The Federal Council's position to date has been that hate speech is the same online as it is offline and must be punished by the same standards. It remains to be seen whether this approach will prevail. However, it serves as a good guide for our behaviour in the digital sphere, because we should refrain from doing online anything that we would never do in face-to-face situations.
Parents certainly face particular challenges in this heated climate. We must always bear in mind that our children are listening very closely. A disparaging remark thrown out in passing or a «funny» joke about a gay colleague can already set the tone. Real life is, in any case, the background noise for hate speech in the digital sphere. For example, peer pressure amongst teenagers is a well-known catalyst for hate speech.
What parents can do
If children are affected by hate speech, you can recognise this by looking out for typical signs:
- Withdrawal and a reduced interest in school or sport
- Avoiding social media and mobile phones
- Irritability and, not infrequently, sleep problems
- Downplaying derogatory posts: «They don't really mean it» or «It doesn't matter anyway’
In such cases, parents should seek to talk to their child. Victims of hate speech are sensitive and quick to suspect further criticism. Often, they also find the whole situation embarrassing. Showing empathy at the right moment gives your child the chance to get it off their chest. Ideally, the second step is to rebuild their shaken self-confidence: «You're not alone; we'll look into this together.»
Dominik Hangartner, Professor of Political Analysis at ETH Zurich, explains how one should respond to hate speech: «Comments that appeal to the perpetrators’ sense of empathy are most effective. If you encourage them to put themselves in the affected person's shoes, they are more likely to delete their comment and post fewer hateful comments, at least in the near future.»
What haters should bear in mind
- Hate is not an opinion. Do not invoke your freedom of expression.
- Hate is treated in exactly the same way online as it is in real life. With the same criminal consequences.
- Hate isn't anonymous. You'll be found out. It's actually quite easy.
- Just imagine for a moment how you would feel if you were in their shoes.
- Would you say that to the person you're talking to face to face?
- Why are you reacting so strongly? Often, hatred has more to do with oneself than one realises. Do have a think about it.
