Hate-Less: Harnessing Awareness to End Hate Speech and Disinformation for a More Diverse Youth using Media Literacy and Technology
This project aspires to dismantle hate speech, disinformation, and entrenched racist narratives by amplifying and making visible diverse counter-narratives. These include the testimonies of young individuals encountering the “other,” thereby shining a light on alternative perspectives and challenging harmful assumptions. The project intends to foster the willful use of technologies and their potential as inclusive tools when addressing sensitive topics: digital and multimedia tools become means for the creation of an inclusive and multicultural community, combating messages of hate, whilst promoting values of active citizenship and democracy among young people, including youngsters with a migrant background, who are important carriers of meaning in their families, communities, etc. Through activities focusing on media literacy and education, participatory approaches and production of participatory videos, young people will narrate their stories promoting diversity and inclusion.
Location
Germany, Luxembourg, Estonia, France, Spain, Cyprus
Duration
November 2024 - May 2027
Focus Areas
Media literacy, hate speech prevention, disinformation, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, participatory video
Funding Program
Erasmus+ KA2, Project Number: KA 2024-1-DE04-KA220-YOU-000244181
Key Activities
Local Advisory Groups (LAGs) focus group meetings, Training of Trainers in Tallinn, participatory video technical training, toolkit testing sessions, media institution visits (ETV+, Delovye Vedomosti, Estonian Parliament)
Key Activities & Learning
Project Kick-off and Partnership Building
The HATE-LESS project officially launched on 16-17 December 2024 in Berlin, Germany, bringing together committed partners from across Europe to combat hate speech and disinformation through media literacy and technology. FSL connected with partners from Youth4Media (Germany), Waves Foundation (Cyprus), People to People (Estonia), Mitra France, and Evolutionary Archetypes (Spain). We dove into discussions about building Local Advisory Groups (LAGs), exploring data collection strategies for impactful reporting on hate speech, and brainstorming fresh ways to spread awareness.
Local Advisory Group Meetings and Research
FSL was pleased to host the first HATE-LESS LAG focus group meeting on March 24th at the Youth Hostel in Esch/Alzette! The session focused on understanding youth workers' perceptions of media literacy and hate speech, sparking insightful discussions and valuable exchanges. The Hate-less LAG 2nd Focus Group Meeting brought together passionate voices to evaluate the effectiveness of media literacy and hate speech prevention initiatives in Luxembourg. The discussion focused on identifying successful programs, recognizing their shortcomings, and exploring ways to strengthen critical thinking in youth work.
Participatory Video Technical Training
Seg Kirakossian from FSL conducted a technical training session for partners of the Erasmus+ HATE-LESS project. The content of this training will be featured as a dedicated chapter in the project's methodological guidelines. Participants explored the concept of participatory video-its definition, how it works, and why it is important. The training also covered the principles and ethics of participatory video, techniques for story generation and collaborative storytelling, tools for visual and narrative structuring, as well as technical fundamentals such as camera use, sound, lighting, and basic video editing.
International Training and Toolkit Testing in Tallinn
During this three-day activity from September 15 to 17, 2025, FSL and partners worked together to test and refine the Methodological Guidelines and the practical toolkit developed within the project. The toolkit includes innovative media methods, participatory video techniques, and hands-on activities designed to strengthen youth workers' competences in addressing hate speech and disinformation. Partners from Germany and Luxembourg facilitated interactive testing sessions. The morning sessions included exploring "How to Do Participatory Research with Youth" and workshops on Innovative Practices and Digital Tools for tackling hate speech and disinformation.
Study Visits to Media and Democratic Institutions
Participants continued with a study visit to Estonia's national television channel ETV+. In the afternoon, participants visited Delovye Vedomosti, a leading Estonian business newspaper, to gain insights into the role of independent media in promoting reliable information and countering disinformation. Participants had the opportunity to visit the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), gaining insight into democratic processes and the importance of informed citizenship.
Toolkit Development and Methodological Guidelines
In our third meeting, we explored practical tools and alternative narratives to combat hate speech, disinformation, and fake news. We discussed fact-checking tools, media literacy, and the role of AI in tackling misinformation. We also worked on a toolkit for youth workers, identifying essential resources and ways to integrate them into daily practice. The meeting wrapped up with key recommendations and next steps for national reports and methodological guidelines.
Project Outcomes & Impact
Comprehensive Toolkit for Youth Workers
During the three-day activity, FSL and partners worked together to test and refine the Methodological Guidelines and the practical toolkit developed within the project. The toolkit includes innovative media methods, participatory video techniques, and hands-on activities designed to strengthen youth workers' competences in addressing hate speech and disinformation. This training represents an important step towards validating and finalising the toolkit before its wider dissemination among youth workers across Europe.
Enhanced Media Literacy Competences
To improve the provision of media and digital literacy into youth work and non-formal education by training youth workers and young people to acquire critical thinking skills that will allow them to deconstruct narratives that promote hate speech, disinformation, fake news and racism. Participants emphasized the crucial role of media literacy in promoting European values such as democracy and human rights while also addressing the challenges of fostering these values among young people.
Amplified Counter-Narratives and Alternative Perspectives
The HATE-LESS project aspires to dismantle hate speech, disinformation, and entrenched racist narratives by amplifying and making visible diverse counter-narratives. Through the HATE-LESS Project, FSL is empowering youth workers and young people to amplify counter-narratives, challenge harmful assumptions, and create a future where diversity thrives and hate is replaced with understanding.
Strengthened Social and Civic Competences
To strengthen social and civic competences through fostering knowledge, understanding and ownership of fundamental values; promoting mutual respect and intercultural dialogue; and combating discrimination on all grounds. Participants emphasized the crucial role of media literacy in promoting European values such as democracy and human rights while also addressing the challenges of fostering these values among young people.
The most relevant priority according to the objectives of the project
YOUTH: Reinforcing links between policy, research and practice
Additional priorities according to the objectives of the project:
- YOUTH: Increasing quality, innovation and recognition of youth work
- HORIZONTAL: Addressing digital transformation through development of digital readiness, resilience and capacity
Our Partners
Lead Organisation
Project Partners
FSLux
EESTI PEOPLE TO PEOPLE
Mitra France
Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL
Waves Foundation for Global Education