Project "Youth says NO to hate in Małopolska" - education against cyberbullying

The Internet and social media have become a natural space for young people to communicate. This is where opinions, comments and discussions appear every day. However, not all of them are expressed in a way that respects other people. Especially a word written on the Internet, including anonymously, can quickly reach a large number of recipients and remain there for a long time, causing humiliation and harm to another person.

The project "Youth says NO to hate in Małopolska" is implemented by the Department of Education of the Marshal's Office of the Małopolska Voivodeship in cooperation with the Provincial Pedagogical Libraries from Krakow, Tarnów and Nowy Sącz.

Hate has real consequences, because offensive words can hurt.

An offensive comment may last several seconds. Its consequences may be much longer. Hate can affect well-being, relationships with others and the way a young person sees himself.

Therefore, it is important not only to recognize harmful behaviors, but also to understand why they should not be downplayed. The project draws attention to the impact of hate on mental health, peer relationships and legal consequences.

It is also an attempt to show that responsibility for words does not end with clicking the "publish", "block" or "delete" button. There is always another person and their emotions behind the screen.

Knowledge instead of indifference

The project is addressed primarily to school youth, but the invitation to joint action also includes teachers, parents and guardians.

During a series of lectures and workshops, recipients will be able to meet experts, including psychologists, lawyers and educators. The conversations are intended to help them better understand the consequences of hate and learn how to respond to harmful comments and behavior.

An important part of the meetings will be the opportunity to ask questions about their experiences with hate that young people may encounter every day - both online and offline.

More information about the project:

Young people say NO to hate in Małopolska | Local government of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Not only a youth problem

Although the project is addressed primarily to young people who actively use social media, the problem of hate affects the entire community. School, family and peer circles can play an important role in building awareness, empathy and responsibility for words.

"Young people say NO to hate in Małopolska" is intended to be a space not only for gaining knowledge, but also for conversation.

The first meeting will take place on October 6

The inauguration of the project will take place on October 6, 2026 at the Collegium Novum of the Jagiellonian University. Further lectures and workshops will be held in voivodeship institutions.

The goal of the project can be summed up in a simple message: words can hurt, but they can also build. Therefore, before sending a comment, message or post, it is worth considering what trace it will leave on the other person.