How To Respond: Online Extremism and Hate Speech

Recognise, Respond, Support:

Online Extremism and Hate Speech

What is it?

Extremism online happens when individuals or groups share or promote extreme views that encourage hate, violence, or intolerance toward others.

These ideas can spread quickly through social media and online communities, making it important to recognise and challenge harmful content.

Hate speech is similar, but it specifically targets people, groups, or communities based on characteristics or prejudice towards race, religion, gender, sexuality, or identity.

Young people can be especially vulnerable to extremist content online. They might come across extremist ideas, beliefs, or symbols through videos, memes, or even gaming channels.

Sometimes, curiosity or a desire to belong can draw them in. Other factors, like feeling isolated, experiencing grievances, or social pressures, can also play a role.

If you, your child or someone you know has been affected by hate speech or extremism online, support is available and it's important to seek help and advice; you are not alone.

Who is most at risk?

While anyone can be the target of online hate incidents, certain groups are understood to be more vulnerable due to longstanding societal biases and prejudices. These groups can include racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQAI+ communities, women and girls, religious minorities and people with disabilities.

Recognising the signs

These may be indicators that something is happening for your young person online, or they may be affected by cyberbullying:

Strong, sudden opinions about political or identity issues, especially if they include frustration or anger
Pulling away from friends or family, withdrawal in activities or sudden secrecy around online activity like hiding activity or history
Spending more time in private online spaces, such as closed groups or forums where people share similar views and reinforce the same ideas
Sharing or defending harmful content, including material that promotes hate or violence
Changes in tone online, such as more aggressive posts or sharing memes that promote hate, or use “us versus them” language

What to do

Stay calm and open
- Avoid reacting with anger or judgement, be open to understand their views, opinions and beliefs, and acknowledge
Start a conversation
- Ask non-confrontational questions, like:
- “I noticed you’ve been spending time in new online spaces, what do you like about them?”
- “What is it about that content that makes you want to engage with it?”
Listen first
- Give them space to share their thoughts without interrupting or dismissing their feelings
Check in on wellbeing
- Sudden changes can signal stress or isolation. Ask how they’re feeling and if anything is bothering them
Keep communication open and honest
- Let them know that they can talk to you about anything, even if you disagree. If they would feel more comfortable, they could consider speaking to a trained counsellor through a dedicated helpline
Seek support if needed
- If you’re worried about extremist influence, or hateful content or discussion, reach out to Netsafe or other trusted organisations for advice and support (NZ Police, Department of Internal Affairs, Support Services)

Tips to connect and prevent further harm

Depending on the age and stage of your child you might:

Start early with conversations about respect and inclusion, to help your child understand why treating others fairly matters
Talk about the impact of hate, and explain how harmful content can impact and hurt other people
Encourage empathy by sharing positive information and helping to support your child with friendship with diverse peers
Ask thoughtful questions, like “how you decide what’s fair or unfair online?”
Promote critical thinking, by encouraging them to question ideas calmly, not react defensively
Connect values to actions, to show how kindness, inclusion and standing up safely for others make a difference