LEAD-Online stood as against the normalization of hate speech online. This groundbreaking project, spearheaded by organizations across Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Romania, was dedicated to addressing the detrimental impact of hate speech on young people. With a mission to combat online hate speech, LEAD-Online showcased the power of collective action and innovative solutions.

“LEAD-Online made significant strides, driven by a shared vision to nurture critical thinking and digital literacy skills.”

From its inception, LEAD-Online had been on a mission to dismantle barriers and empower individuals with the tools to confront hate speech head-on. Through research and collaboration, LEAD-Online project presented the underlying causes of online hate speech, producing comprehensive national reports that shed light on its prevalence and provided invaluable insights for targeted interventions.

But LEAD-Online didn’t stop there. It wasn’t just about identifying the problem; it was about equipping individuals with the skills and resources to combat it effectively. That’s why the project developed innovative tools like the Hate Speech Self-Assessment Tool (HS-SAT) and the engaging Hate!Out Game, engaging thousands in awareness-building activities and fostering critical reflection to challenge unconscious biases.

One of the project’s crowning achievements lay in its emphasis on collaboration and capacity-building. By hosting international and national training sessions, LEAD-Online empowered educators, activists, and journalists across Europe with the knowledge and tools needed to address hate speech in their communities. Through these efforts, LEAD-Online sparked a wave of informed action and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on the fight against hate speech.

“At the forefront of this transformative journey was Future Needs, representing Cyprus in the LEAD-Online project. Taking on the role of dissemination and communication leadership, Future Needs worked to ensure the project’s impact reached far and wide”

Through a myriad of workshops, seminars, online campaigns, and outreach events, Future Needs engaged over 4,500 individuals in Cyprus alone, contributing to the project’s overall reach of over 30,000 people. Through strategic dissemination efforts, Future Needs started meaningful conversations and inspired action, amplifying LEAD-Online’s influence and promoting its mission of combating hate speech in the digital realm.

In conclusion, LEAD-Online left behind a powerful legacy of empowerment, resilience, and tolerance. As we continue to navigate the complexities of online hate speech, let us draw inspiration from LEAD-Online’s journey and persevere towards a more inclusive and equitable digital future.