Countering violent and hate‐related materials on the Internet: Strategies for classrooms and communities

Abstract

School violence is of increasing concern to educators worldwide in the wake of tragedies such as the one in Littleton, Colorado. This article explores how hate group web sites, violent computer games, and related Internet activities are delivering material to young people with hostile and violent content. The Internet is also serving as a new vehicle for expression among students, sometimes conveying their messages of despair and hopelessness. The article discusses ways that teacher educators can equip future teachers to deal with these issues. It also examines what some schools and communities are currently doing to confront these issues and proposes ways to integrate Internet considerations into anti‐violence and mental health programs.