| Project Code | 2016-2-ES02-KA205-008301 |
| Type of Action | Strategic Partnership |
| Countries Involved | ES,CY,UK,PL,DE |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Budget | 46.615,00 € |
| Objectives | -To raise awareness for preventing discrimination online, and providing resources to challenge or report digital discrimination. -To demystify technology for adults, educating young people about online safety, and empowering users to become informed and confident with technology. -To open a dialogue between young people and adults, developing empathy to challenge discrimination, and supporting emotional and cognitive responses to online interactions. |
| Target Group | -Youth (aged 15-30) -Vulnerable community members (migrants, certain ethnic and cultural groups, young people at risk of social exclusion) -Parents and educatorsNGOs and media content providers -Community managersLocal and national authoritiesYouth workers |
| Summary of the Project |
| Racism and discrimination, though widely condemned in public discourse, continued to persist in more subtle and insidious forms online. These issues evolved from overt expressions to more covert manifestations, particularly on social networking sites (SNS), where they often went unnoticed or were tolerated in private interactions. Youth, who were the primary users of these platforms, were especially vulnerable to these disguised forms of discrimination. The messages, whether through images, videos, or comments, were cleverly hidden behind seemingly “politically correct” rhetoric, such as “I am not a racist, but…” This subtlety made it easy for users to be misled, as these harmful ideologies were cloaked in language that appeared acceptable on the surface. Given the significant role SNS played in shaping young people’s perspectives, the project recognized the urgent need to address this issue. It aimed to provide guidance and support to vulnerable community members, such as migrants, certain ethnic and cultural groups, and young people at risk of social exclusion. These groups were often the primary targets of online discrimination and were more likely to encounter such harmful content. The project also sought to empower parents, educators, NGOs, media content providers, community managers, and local and national authorities to act against these discriminatory behaviors. The project was structured around three key phases: 1. Research and Framework Development: Partner organizations gathered theoretical insights and case studies within interdisciplinary groups (teachers, social workers, youth trainers, community managers) to identify strategies for combating discriminatory content on SNS. This phase also outlined the methodology for the project’s next steps. 2. Action and Testing: The second phase tested the original “antidiscrimination pack” with youth at risk of exclusion, involving creative activities and digital sessions where participants shared their thoughts via short videos. Feedback from this phase led to the development of the updated Anti Discrimination Pack 2.0 (AP). 3. Dissemination and Training: In the final phase, a four-month dissemination process included local events, follow-up training for 15 youth workers from various countries, and three transnational staff meetings. A new web platform was also created, featuring case studies, videos, and a practical methodological guide for combating online discrimination. Through these phases, the project aimed to not only equip youth and their supporters with the tools to recognize and counteract online discrimination but also to foster a culture of active and responsible digital citizenship. By becoming “prosumers”—individuals who actively produced content rather than passively consumed it—participants were better prepared to challenge and change the discriminatory narratives that persisted in online spaces. Ultimately, the project sought to create a ripple effect, where the knowledge and skills gained by the youth workers were passed on to others, thereby amplifying the impact of the initiative across multiple communities and regions. |
| Results of the Project |
| The project raised awareness of online racism, developed the updated Anti Discrimination Pack 2.0, and equipped youth with skills to combat discriminatory content. It improved support for marginalized groups, amplified diverse voices through digital storytelling, and trained 15 youth workers. The project also launched a web platform with case studies and guides, and strengthened collaboration among NGOs, media, and authorities to address online discrimination.As a result of the project, Anti Discrimination Pack 2.0 Resource Package was developed and it can be accessed from here : http://antidiscriminationpack.eu |
| Significance of the Project |
| This project is crucial for social welfare, inclusion, and diversity as it addresses online racism and discrimination, which impact marginalized communities. It supports youth, especially those from vulnerable groups, by providing tools to recognize and combat harmful content, thus promoting their well-being and active digital participation. By targeting excluded groups like migrants and ethnic minorities, the project fosters inclusion and ensures they have equal opportunities. It also celebrates diversity by amplifying the voices of those affected by discrimination, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive digital environment. |
