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Consortium

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Disclaimer – Ethical Considerations

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This role-play and discussion may include sensitive topics related to harassment, gender-based violence, and online abuse. While these scenarios are fictional, they reflect real-life situations that can cause emotional discomfort. Participants are encouraged to take breaks if they feel overwhelmed. No one should feel pressured to share personal experiences. Facilitators should be attentive to signs of distress and provide access to mental health support resources if needed. These activities are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, psychological, or medical support. Any discussions should remain confidential and respectful. Remember the Key: Protecting the physical and mental well-being of participants is as important as the learning process itself.

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Key Challenges Faced by Youth in Digital Spaces

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Cyberbullying and online harassment are prevalent issues, with many young individuals experiencing targeted abuse on social media, gaming platforms, and online forums. This can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and social isolation, significantly impacting their mental well-being. Discrimination and hate speech are also widespread across online platforms, where harmful narratives based on gender, race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status are perpetuated. These discriminatory behaviors contribute to a culture of exclusion and can have long-term effects on selfesteem and personal development. Mental health struggles are increasingly linked to online interactions. Exposure to negative comments, cyberbullying, and unrealistic online portrayals can contribute to anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem among young people, further exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

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During this session, we will learn some key tips to improve our understanding on gender-based hate speech.

Scenario 1

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''The AI deepfake scandal''

Context: Mary, a well-respected journalist, finds herself at the center of an AI deepfake scandal. Fakeexplicit images of her have surfaced online, spreading across social media and forums. While, some support her, many believe the images are real, leading to widespread harassment, personaldata leaks, and professional isolation. Mary seeks justice, but the legal system and social media platforms are slow to act.

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“Hi, I’m Mary. I’m a journalist, and I’ve been targeted by AI-generated deepfake images. They're fake, but the damage feels real. What should I do?”

Mary, this is horrible. I want to call it out publicly and show my support. But... what if it backfires on my career too?

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“Mary, I’ve seen the images going around. I know they’re fake, but people are reacting like they’re real. Are you okay?”

“Honestly? No. I feel humiliated. The worst part is that even some colleagues are silent... It makes me feel abandoned.”

I’m posting about this. People need to know the truth. This isn’t just about Mary—it could happen to any of us.”

👍

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Remember the Key: Hate and Harassment Silence Voices

• Editors, colleagues, activists, and institutions play a crucial role in protecting journalists and showing that they are not alone.

• Rooted in patriarchal norms and “us vs. them” dynamics, hate speech is used to defend dominance and exclude others..

• Listening to survivors’ experiences helps reduce victim-blaming, builds solidarity, and encourages collective action to combat online abuse.

• Social media companies must strengthen reporting systems, remove abusive content quickly, and prioritize user safety over vague “free speech” defenses.

• Many countries still lack strong legal frameworks to address online harassment, making it difficult for victims to find justice.

• Hate speech is performative: it doesn’t just insult but reinforces harmful stereotypes. However, language can also be reclaimed to resist oppression.

• Victims often face anxiety, depression, and self-censorship. More than half of women report negative emotional or physical effects from online abuse.

• Media can normalize abuse through harmful portrayals, jokes, and sensationalism, or it can challenge it by promoting accountability and awareness.

• It discourages women and marginalized groups from speaking out, creating fear and reducing participation in public and digital spaces.

Language is powerful

Legal gaps are a barrier

Media and culture shape norms

Consequences are severe

Empathy and awareness drive change

Platforms hold responsibility

Hate speech silences voices

Support systems matter

Power and identity drive hate speech

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During this session, we will focus on building empathy & awareness

Scenario 2

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''A Journalist Under Attack''

Context: Sofia, a 27-year-old journalist, has dedicated her career to exposing gender inequality in politics. She publishes an article, “Why Women in Politics Face More Hate Than Men,” expecting a mix of support and criticism. At first, she receives praise, but soon, the response turns ugly— misogynistic insults, violent threats, and doxxing. The harassment escalates, making her fear for her safety. Now, she must decide: does she continue her work despite the risks, or step back to protect herself?

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Carlos, the threats are getting worse. They’ve published my home address online. I don’t feel safe...

Carlos, the threats are getting worse. They’ve published my home address online. I don’t feel safe...

I’m really worried for you, Sofia. We can stand by you, but the paper could also become a target. Do you want to press charges or should we consider pulling back?

If I stop now, they win. But I don’t know if I can keep going like this.

❤️‍🩹

We’ll support you whatever you decide, but we also need to think about digital security and legal help.

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I don’t know if I can keep writing about gender issues. Every article feels like a trigger for harassment.

I’ve been there too, and I know how crushing it feels. But your work matters. Remember, silence is what they want.

But what if it gets worse? What if they actually follow through on these threats?

That’s why we need allies and stronger protections. You don’t have to face this alone

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Remember the Key: Empathy and Awareness Bring Change

• Editors, colleagues, activists, and institutions play a crucial role in protecting journalists and showing that they are not alone.

• Listening to survivors’ experiences helps reduce victim-blaming, builds solidarity, and encourages collective action to combat online abuse.

• Social media companies must strengthen reporting systems, remove abusive content quickly, and prioritize user safety over vague “free speech” defenses.

• Many countries still lack strong legal frameworks to address online harassment, making it difficult for victims to find justice.

• Online abuse and threats create fear, pushing women journalists to self-censor or leave the profession, which weakens democracy and diversity of perspectives.

Legal gaps are a barrier

Empathy and awareness drive change

Platforms hold responsibility

Harassment silences voices

Support systems matter

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During this session, we will focus on practical steps to recognize, respond to, and support those affected by gender-based hate speech and violence

Scenario 3

“Blocked and Exposed”

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Context: Jasmine, a 17-year-old high school student, shares her opinions about social justice and gender equality on social media after a case of victimisation of a young woman in her country. While at first she feels empowered, she soon receives anonymous hate messages with threats and insults. One day, Jasmine discovers that her private photos have been shared without her consent in a group chat, labeled with insults and derogatory sexual comments. She feels humiliated, unsafe, and uncertain about how to respond. Jasmine worries that speaking up might escalate the situation but staying silent leaves her feeling powerless.

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I can’t believe they shared my photos… everyone is going to laugh at me. I feel so ashamed.

You have nothing to be ashamed of. The ones who did this are the ones who should feel guilty.

But if I report it, won’t it just get worse?

If you stay silent, they win. Let’s find someone you trust — a teacher, your parents, or even the police. You don’t have to face this alone.

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I couldn’t sleep last night… I kept thinking about those photos and the comments. What if everyone at school has already seen them?

I know it feels overwhelming, but remember — you’re not alone. I checked, and the group chat is already being reported by others too

Really? So people actually cared enough to report it?

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Yes. And we can go together to the school counselor. This way you don’t have to explain everything by yourself.

I’m still scared, but having you with me makes it a little easier

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Remember the Key: Empathy and collective action drive change.

• Editors, colleagues, activists, and institutions play a crucial role in protecting journalists and showing that they are not alone.

• Ignoring harassment does not stop it; speaking up with support can create change.

• Friends, teachers, parents, and counselors provide safety, strength, and guidance.

• Listening to survivors’ experiences helps reduce victim-blaming, builds solidarity, and encourages collective action to combat online abuse.

• Social media companies must strengthen reporting systems, remove abusive content quickly, and prioritize user safety over vague “free speech” defenses.

• Many countries still lack strong legal frameworks to address online harassment, making it difficult for victims to find justice.

• Involving trusted adults, schools, or even law enforcement ensures accountability.

• When friends and communities stand with victims, fear and shame are reduced, and justice is encouraged.

• Hate speech and non-consensual photo sharing are violations of rights, not mistakes of the victim.

Legal gaps are a barrier

Collective empathy builds resilience

Reporting is protection, not escalation

Support systems matter

Empathy and awareness drive change

Platforms hold responsibility

Victims are never to blame

Silence empowers abusers

Support systems matter

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During this session, we will focus on practical steps to recognize, respond to, and support those affected by online harassment, gender-based hate speech, and digital violence.

Scenario 4

''Silenced in the Forum''

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Context: Elena, a 21-year-old university student, is passionate about gender equality. She regularly participates in an online discussion forum dedicated to politics and social issues. Recently, she posted a thoughtful comment defending a female politician who was being criticized with sexist remarks. At first, Elena’s post received some supportive responses. However, within hours, the tone shifted. A group of anonymous users began mocking her, posting degrading memes with her picture, and leaving threatening comments such as: “Shut up or we’ll make you.” Someone even spread false rumors that she had been “paid to post feminist propaganda.”

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Every time I open the forum, there are new insults. They’re twisting my words and making me feel ashamed for even speaking up

Elena, you don’t deserve this. If it’s hurting you, stepping away could help you feel safe again.

But if I leave, doesn’t that mean they’ve won? That my voice doesn’t matter

Not at all. Leaving one toxic space doesn’t silence you. It just means choosing where your voice is respected and protected. There are safer platforms and communities where your message will be valued.

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Remember the Key: Online harassment can create real psychological harm, including anxiety and fear

• Editors, colleagues, activists, and institutions play a crucial role in protecting journalists and showing that they are not alone.

• Stepping away from toxic spaces protects well-being and does not erase someone’s voice or value.

• Choosing supportive communities allows victims to continue their advocacy without constant fear.

• Listening to survivors’ experiences helps reduce victim-blaming, builds solidarity, and encourages collective action to combat online abuse.

• Social media companies must strengthen reporting systems, remove abusive content quickly, and prioritize user safety over vague “free speech” defenses.

• Many countries still lack strong legal frameworks to address online harassment, making it difficult for victims to find justice.

• Emotional support, listening, and practical advice can help victims feel less isolated and more empowered.

• Reporting abuse, standing in solidarity, and challenging harassment can shift the balance from silence to safety.

• Online insults and threats are not “just words”; they can deeply affect mental health and self-esteem.

Active bystanders change outcomes

Legal gaps are a barrier

Friends and allies make a difference

Safe spaces amplify voices

Empathy and awareness drive change

Platforms hold responsibility

Harassment causes real harm

Leaving is a strategy, not defeat

Support systems matter

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* EDIT OR DELETE THIS STATEMENT

During this session, we will focus on practical steps to recognize, respond to, and support those affected by online harassment, gender-based hate speech, and digital violence.

Scenario 5

''Taking Action Together''

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Context: Ahmed, a 19-year-old youth worker, receives a distressing message from Sofia, a 17-year-old girl who is being harassed on social media. The messages contain sexist insults and escalating threats, making her feel unsafe. She is unsure of how to respond and turns to Ahmed for advice. Ahmed must decide how best to support Sofia while ensuring her safety.

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Ahmed, I don’t know what to do… I’ve been getting these horrible messages. They’re calling me disgusting names and saying awful things about me being a girl.

I’m really sorry this is happening to you, Sofia. Thank you for trusting me with it. The first thing we should do is make sure you’re safe. Can you show me the messages?

Yes… here. Some of them are threats. I feel sick every time I open my phone.

You don’t deserve this. Let’s take screenshots of all these messages, so we have proof. After that, I want you to block this person so they can’t send you more

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Okay… but what if they make another account?

That can happen, but every time it does, you’ll block and report again. The important thing is you won’t face them alone. We’ll also inform your guardian so they can support you too.

🤓

Thank you, Ahmed. I feel a bit safer knowing you’re helping me.

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Remember the Key: Silence helps perpetrators

• Editors, colleagues, activists, and institutions play a crucial role in protecting journalists and showing that they are not alone.

• Taking screenshots preserves proof, which strengthens her ability to report and seek justice.

• Removing the harasser’s access helps stop immediate abuse and signals to platforms that action is needed.

• Listening to survivors’ experiences helps reduce victim-blaming, builds solidarity, and encourages collective action to combat online abuse.

• Social media companies must strengthen reporting systems, remove abusive content quickly, and prioritize user safety over vague “free speech” defenses.

• Many countries still lack strong legal frameworks to address online harassment, making it difficult for victims to find justice.

• Involving guardians, trusted adults, or friends provides emotional safety and practical support.

• Even if the harasser persists, repeated blocking, reporting, and seeking help show Sofia that she has tools and allies.

• Online harassment and threats are violations of rights, not the result of something Sofia did.

Consistent action builds resilience

Legal gaps are a barrier

No one should face this alone

Blocking and reporting reduce harm

Empathy and awareness drive change

Platforms hold responsibility

Victims are never at fault

Evidence is empowerment

Support systems matter

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Congratulations!

Now you know all the keys to use technology and social media consciously, respectfully, and safely—while supporting others against harassment and harm.

This document may be copied, reproduced or modified in accordance with the above rules. In addition, an acknowledgement to the authors of the document and all corresponding parts of the copyright notice must be clearly mentioned.