A growing challenge in digital spaces — and a youth-led response grounded in awareness, education, and innovation.
Online spaces have become central to how young people learn, connect, and express themselves. But they have also become environments where harmful content spreads rapidly.
Hate speech and misinformation are no longer isolated issues — they are part of a broader digital reality. And young people are among the most exposed.
Studies and field experience consistently show that youth are not only frequent users of digital platforms, but also primary targets of:
This makes their role unique — they are both affected by these challenges and essential to addressing them.
Responding to online hate speech requires more than just recognizing it. It demands a set of critical skills that enable young people to navigate digital spaces with confidence and responsibility.
Today, digital literacy and critical thinking are no longer optional — they are essential.
They allow young people to:
This is where the Youth Generative AI project, supported by the Erasmus+ Programme, plays a crucial role.
The project combines technology and education to equip young people with the tools they need to engage safely and critically in digital environments.
Through its activities, the project focuses on:
Rather than positioning AI as a risk, the project highlights its potential as a tool for positive impact — when guided by ethical and informed use.
A key strength of the project lies in its practical approach. It does not stop at awareness — it creates opportunities for young people to apply what they learn.
Through workshops, collaborative activities, and innovation spaces such as hackathons, participants are encouraged to:
This transforms learning into action — and participants into active contributors.
Addressing hate speech is not only about limiting harm — it is about building digital environments that are inclusive, respectful, and informed.
By strengthening critical thinking and digital literacy, the project contributes to a broader shift: from passive consumption to active, responsible participation.
Young people are at the center of today’s digital challenges — but they are also at the center of the solutions.
The Youth Generative AI project demonstrates that with the right tools, knowledge, and support, youth can navigate complexity, challenge harmful narratives, and help shape a more positive digital future.
The consortium is comprised of: Caleidoscopio Association – Italy (Coordinator), AVEC – France, EUROMED EVE – Belgium, EUROMED EVE – Tunisia, EUROMED EVE – Morocco, Jordan Youth Innovation Forum (JYIF) – Jordan
