Hate Speech

How is hate speech defined?

The Canadian Human Rights Act defines hate speech as, “the content of a communication that expresses detestation or vilification of an individual or group of individuals on the basis of prohibited grounds of discrimination. The grounds of discrimination are race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted where a record suspension has been ordered.”

Nearly one-quarter of victims of cyber-related hate crimes are youth aged 12-17 years old.

  • Hate speech primarily occurs on various digital platforms, including social media sites, gaming forums, and other community-driven spaces. Social media platforms like:

    • X (formerly Twitter)

    • Instagram

    • Facebook

    Are commonly reported hotspots for hate speech due to their vast user bases and the ability to share content widely and quickly.

    • Additionally, online gaming communities and forums often experience high levels of hate speech, including antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-LGBTQ2s+ rhetoric, especially during politically or socially charged events.

    • Other platforms like 4Chan, World Star, and certain extremist-focused forums also contribute significantly to the dissemination of hate speech, often serving as incubators for more extreme and coordinated online rhetoric.

  • Hate speech online takes many forms, often targeting individuals or groups based on the grounds of discrimination. Here are common examples and characteristics of hate speech:

    • Derogatory Slurs: Use of offensive words or phrases aimed at demeaning someone's identity. For example, racial slurs or homophobic epithets.

    • Threats of Violence: Direct or implied threats to harm an individual or group, such as "You should be hurt for believing X."

    • Stereotyping and Dehumanization: Statements comparing people to animals or portraying them as inferior, such as "They’re all criminals."

    • Harassment and Incitement: Encouraging others to attack or exclude someone, e.g., "Let's make sure they never feel welcome here."

    • Misinformation to Discredit: Spreading lies about a group to incite hatred or fear, such as false claims about a religion or community.

    Hate speech often relies on repetition and amplification, making it crucial to monitor and counteract through education, moderation, and legal measures.

  • In Canada, hate speech can have serious legal consequences under both federal and provincial laws:

    • Federally - Hate speech offenses include promoting genocide, inciting hatred likely to lead to violence, and wilfully promoting hatred against identifiable groups. These can lead to criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment.

      • While the Charter protects free speech, it allows restrictions on harmful expressions like hate speech when justified in a democratic society​.

    • Provincially - Provinces enforce hate speech laws through their human rights codes, focusing on discrimination and protecting individuals from harm. Offenses can lead to penalties such as financial restitution to victims or mandatory training for offenders​.

    Legal consequences for behaviours vary significantly between countries and even within local jurisdictions. Always check your regional and federal laws to understand the specific regulations and penalties in your area.

How to recognize a victim of hate speech?

Hate speech can take many forms, and its signs may not always be obvious. Here are some key indicators to help you identify if someone might be experiencing hate speech:

    • Avoidance of Devices: The person may become anxious, upset, or defensive when using their phone, tablet, or computer.

    • Mood Swings: The person may display sudden irritability, anger, or sadness, often triggered by recent experiences online or in social settings.

    • Withdrawal: They might avoid friends or family and lose interest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed.

    • Increased Anxiety: Signs include excessive worrying, restlessness, or trouble relaxing, particularly after interacting with others.

    • Low Self-Esteem: They may express negative self-talk or increased doubt about their worth or abilities.

    • Avoidance: They might stop attending school, work, or social events where they feel targeted.

    • Sleep Disruptions: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or oversleeping can indicate stress.

    • Eating Habits: Sudden appetite loss or overeating could reflect emotional distress.

    • Reduced Presence: A noticeable decline in activity on social media or gaming platforms.

    • Defensive Behaviours: Blocking, unfriending, or limiting interactions with specific individuals or groups.

    • Cryptic Posts: Sharing vague or distressed messages that hint at emotional struggles.

    • Declining Performance: Lower grades or incomplete assignments may result from difficulty concentrating.

    • Absenteeism: Increased frequency of missing school or extracurricular activities.

    • Avoidance of Group Work: Hesitation or refusal to participate in collaborative projects.

    • Psychosomatic Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained physical complaints.

    • Visible Fatigue: Exhaustion from dealing with constant online stress or staying up late worrying.

    • Nervous Habits: Signs of stress like nail-biting, pacing, or trembling.

These signs may not always indicate hate speech but are worth addressing with empathy and support. Encourage open communication and connect victims with resources for help.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know is dealing with hate speech, taking proactive steps can make a big difference. Here’s how parents, kids, teens, and even bystanders can respond effectively:

    • Foster Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk openly about any incidents of hate speech they experience online or offline. Ensure they know they can approach you without fear of judgment, and validate their emotions.

    • Set Online Boundaries: Help your child establish healthy boundaries for using social media and digital platforms, teaching them how to recognize and avoid harmful content.

    • Monitor Without Overstepping: Respect your child's privacy while keeping an eye on their online activity. Be aware of the platforms they use and check in regularly about how they feel in digital spaces.

    • Educate Yourself: Stay informed about hate speech laws, popular apps, and social media platforms. Understanding how to report offensive content and using privacy settings will help you guide your child through potentially harmful situations.

    • Act When Necessary: If your child encounters hate speech, document the incident, report it to the platform, and consider seeking legal advice if needed.

    • Speak Up: If you encounter hate speech, don’t stay silent. Talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or counselor for support.

    • Don’t Engage: Avoid responding to hate speech. Engaging can escalate the situation. Instead, block the individual responsible and report the incident to the platform or relevant authority.

    • Protect Your Privacy: Ensure that your personal details (address, school, phone number) are not publicly available on social media. Strong passwords can also help protect your accounts from being targeted.

    • Be a Friend: If you see someone experiencing hate speech, support them by offering encouragement or helping them report the behavior. Empowering your peers creates a safer space for everyone.

    • Don’t Amplify the Problem: Avoid liking, sharing, or commenting on hate speech. Engaging with harmful content only encourages further negativity.

    • Stand Up for What’s Right: If it’s safe to do so, call out hate speech in a calm and respectful manner, showing the victim that they are supported.

    • Report Anonymously: Use the reporting tools available on social media platforms to report hate speech, often without revealing your identity. This can help remove harmful content from digital spaces.

Where to get help?

Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 confidential support service for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Cybertip.ca: Canada’s national tipline for reporting online exploitation.

Local Law Enforcement: If a crime has been committed, contact your local law enforcement directly.