Welcome back to our weekly #WakeUpWednesday Online Safety post where each week you will find a guide on a topical Online Safety issue.
This week’s guide looks at what parents and carers need to know about Free Speech vs Hate Speech.
Freedom of expression is enshrined in international law. Some individuals, however, misunderstand the right to share their opinions as a license to target others with the most horrendous prejudice. So how do we balance people’s prerogative to have their voice heard against everyone’s right to live in a respectful, inclusive society?
This conflict frequently unfolds in the digital world. Online posters can be falsely accused of hate speech, while actual hate is often defended as merely being ‘free speech’. To help children and young people learn to identify the boundaries and recognise genuine hate speech when they see it, this #WakeUpWednesday guide provides some helpful definitions and guidelines.
If you have any questions or concerns about Online Safety, please contact the school office.
