SELMA: “Hacking Hate”

SELMA (Social and Emotional Learning for Mutual Awareness) is a European initiative designed to combat online hate speech by promoting social and emotional learning (SEL), social awareness, and tolerance among youth. Its core philosophy is to empower young people to become active agents of change, providing them with the tools to understand, identify, and address online violence and hostility through creative and practical interventions.

The MSc "Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health" played an active role in the SELMA European program:

• The Director of the MSc provided a substantial and evidence-based contribution to the formulation of the program’s theoretical framework and intervention strategies. This contribution was pivotal in linking adolescent health with contemporary digital realities and the challenges of the online environment.

The SELMA “Hacking Hate” Hackathon

Within the scope of the program, Hackathons were organized—creative idea-competitions where student teams (aged 15–18) were invited to present innovative proposals or technical solutions to counter online hate, violence, and other antisocial behaviors. By leveraging technology and promoting the positive use of digital media, these events brought together youth and educators, with the most impactful ideas receiving institutional recognition.

The SELMA Digital Book

At the conclusion of the program’s biennial cycle, the digital publication "How SELMA Is Driving Online Change" was released. This digital book synthesizes the outcomes, experiences, and best practices derived from SELMA’s activities. It includes, among other elements:

• Research data and the core philosophy of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL);
• Case studies of youth and educator-led initiatives;
• Guidelines on how to continue “hacking hate” through positive online engagement.

Download the SELMA Digital Book (English Edition)