There are a number of reasons to be concerned about young people and online hate: adolescents and teens are among the heaviest Internet users, frequently use the Internet unsupervised, and often lack the critical thinking skills to deal with the content they are exposed to. Canadian teens ages 12û17 are among the most active Internet users, spending about 12 hours a week online8 (a number that doesn’t include time spent using cell phones or playing online video games). In addition, three-quarters of children ages 13û15 are allowed to use the Internet without supervision.9 This combination of heavy use and lack of supervision makes youth more likely than other groups to be exposed to online hate messages and less likely to be able to deal with them.

Electronic reproduction. The guide is part of MNet’s Diversity and Media Toolbox, a suite of anti-hate resources.

Introduction -- What is Online Hate? -- Definitions -- How hate is communicated online -- Targeting Youth -- Talking About It -- Educating youth -- Discussing an incident -- Counselling -- Intervening -- Responding to Online Hate -- How to report an incident -- Building an anti-hate environment -- Who to Contact About Online Hate -- Police-based Services -- Government Services -- Community Services -- References.