Legal or Illegal?

Extension activity

Here are some discussion starters – click on the question for answers from our team of experts:

• But don’t I have the right to say what I like online?
  Free speech is an important part of our democratic society. However, when speech is threatening or abusive it can be illegal, online as well as offline. This is to protect people, so whilst some hate speech may not be deliberately intended to cause harm it could incite violence, especially as things can escalate rapidly online.
• I found that post really offensive, but it isn’t illegal. What can I do?
  You can report the post directly to the platform or site asking them to remove it. If you know the person who posted it, you could ask them to remove it too. Remember not to share it, but you might want to take a screen shot to use as evidence.
• I forwarded that tweet because I wanted to warn others about it. Will I get in trouble?
  Whilst you might have good intentions, forwarding offensive material or conspiracy theories could have damaging and harmful consequences. If it incites hate or violence, you could be committing a criminal offence that may result in you being arrested and prosecuted. Remember, every action you take has a consequence. Trust your instincts, always check your facts, and speak to a trusted adult at school or home if you are not sure.
• What’s the harm in looking at a video of a terrorist attack or forwarding it to my mates?
  By forwarding terrorist content, you could be committing the offence of disseminating terrorist materials, which again could make you liable to arrest and prosecution. By looking at it, you are playing into the terrorist’s hands because this is exactly what they want. Be mindful that the content could be very graphic, violent and intimidating, which could be emotionally distressing to you and others.
• I was just looking at those memes, they’re quite funny - It doesn’t mean I’m an extremist or breaking the law!
  You may not be breaking the law, but be mindful that it is a common tactic by extremist groups to put out content that seems harmless, by using humour and relating it to current events. It may not appear implicitly violent, but is designed to plant a seed and incite strong feelings in people or normalise hateful behaviour. This can make it easier to dehumanise people. So whilst it may seem like just a joke, sharing such content can give legitimacy to extremist views as hateful ideas become ingrained and more widely accepted.

Getting Help

Who can young people talk to?

A trusted adult. This could be a teacher, parent or carer

Talk to a counsellor if you are worried or not sure about anything

Support and advice for under 25s

If you or someone is in immediate danger, or need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999

Reporting extremist or harmful content and behaviour online:

Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism

Hate crime: race, religion, disability, transgender, sexual orientation

Harmful content e.g. bullying, harassment, violence, threats

Anti-Muslim hate

Online sexual abuse

Report antisemitism

iREPORTit - app to anonymously report content promoting extremism
Apple iOS version
Android version