safeline

SAFELINE aims to tackle the growing challenges of online hate speech and cyberbullying, particularly as they affect young people from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Hate speech, as defined by the Council of Europe, encompasses all expressions that spread, incite, or justify racial hatred, xenophobia, antisemitism, and other forms of intolerance. The rise of digital platforms has intensified these threats, with research showing that individuals involved in cyberbullying—whether as victims or perpetrators—are more likely to face academic, emotional, and psychological difficulties. These challenges are particularly acute for youths from vulnerable groups, such as immigrants and refugees, who already encounter significant barriers to democratic participation, decision-making, and integration due to discrimination and online harassment. The project focuses on two main target groups: youth workers and young people from immigrant communities. For youth workers—who play a crucial role in supporting the integration of immigrant youths—there is a need for specialized training to recognize and combat online hate speech and cyberbullying effectively. This training will enhance their digital youth work capabilities, allowing them to better support the growth and inclusion of young people in a digital era marked by rapid technological changes. For the young people themselves, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, the project seeks to equip them with the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate the online world safely and confidently. By fostering these skills, the project aims to empower these youths to overcome social obstacles, participate more fully in democratic life, and contribute to their host societies. The project also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and dissemination. By working with partner organizations across Europe, the project will develop educational materials and modern practices that can be shared widely. Each partner will organize events in their home countries to reach relevant stakeholders and ensure the sustainability and broader impact of the project’s outcomes. Essentially, this project is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower youth workers and immigrant youth to combat online hate speech and cyberbullying. It aims to foster greater inclusion and participation in democratic life, supporting the overall integration of young immigrants and refugees into European societies.