New Guide Helps Communities Fight Hate on the Internet

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 29, 2012) - A Responding to Online Hate guide was released today by Media Awareness Network (MNet) to assist law enforcement, community groups and educators in countering hateful content on the Internet. Despite the growth in online hate and the fact that four out of five Canadians are online, there is currently little information available to the public on this topic: which lead MNet, Canada's leading digital and media literacy organization, to develop the guide.

"The Internet has changed the face of hate speech, providing hate mongers with greater reach, a mask of anonymity, and new ways to appeal to youth", said Cathy Wing Co-Executive Director of Media Awareness Network. "The Responding to Online Hate guide will be an important tool in helping police, educators and community groups recognize hate on the Internet, and understand how youth are targeted online and can become radicalized through hateful online content."

The guide offers information on how to report online hate to the police, host websites and Internet Service Providers. It also highlights services available to victims who encounter hateful materials online.

The Responding to Online Hate guide is part of MNet's Diversity and Media Toolbox - an extensive suite of anti-hate resources for classroom and community use. The Toolbox and the guide are freely available at: www.media-awareness.ca. Hard copies of the guide can be ordered through info@media-awareness.ca.

The Responding to Online Hate guide was produced with the support of the Government of Ontario.

Media Awareness Network (MNet) is a Canadian not-for-profit centre for digital and media literacy. Its vision is that young people have the critical thinking skills to engage with media as active and informed digital citizens. MNet's programs are funded by sponsors, donors and partners, who include: TELUS - Google - Canadian Internet Registration Authority - Bell - Shaw - BellMedia - NFB.