Secondary school students facing and confronting hate speech in digital media

This study examines the capacity of secondary school students in Barcelona province to identify and counteract hate speech in digital media. Analyzing responses from 254 students to an online publication containing hate speech, the research assesses their comprehension and ability to construct counter-narratives. The findings reveal that while many students can recognize hate speech, a concerning number fail to do so, with some even reproducing it. Furthermore, only half of the participants managed to create counter-narratives, which were often simplistic in nature. These results underscore the necessity for an educational approach that fosters critical thinking, inclusivity, and social justice, empowering students to actively participate in discussions and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding social and controversial issues related to hate speech. By promoting inclusive education that supports democratic coexistence, students can be better prepared to analyze and critically interpret hate speech in digital media and develop effective counter-narratives.