Loading. Please wait.

UK charities come together to address hate speech on social media

We've joined 37 other UK charities to address hate speech on social media. Together, we'll review and make recommendations to social media platforms so they are more inclusive. Read the full statement below.

mobile phone with social media apps

This July, Facebook’s policies for addressing hate speech are under increasing global scrutiny as big businesses boycott advertising on the platform. But the reality is that this is a problem for any organisation which uses their platforms.

In response to this moment, 37 UK charities are joining forces to form a working group which will review what’s happening, how it impacts our ability to support beneficiaries and bring recommendations of change to the social media owners.

As charities, we recognise that these platforms have a role to play in allowing us to connect with supporters and beneficiaries from all backgrounds. But we also know that not enough is being done to stop posts which incite hate and violence being made visible. No one should have to see these messages in their day to day lives, and especially not when trying to access ongoing information and support.

We believe that it’s time for social media platforms to be better, and do better by the people who use them. It’s time for them to take action to make their platforms more inclusive, a place for connecting and debate, not hate.

Hate, whether it’s based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, religious beliefs or any other characteristic, is not acceptable in society. And we all have a part to play in stopping its spread. We believe it’s important that Facebook and other social media owners hear this message loud and clear from as many people, and sectors, as possible.

Together, we will take stock of what’s happening, scaling back our social media spend where we can, without it impacting our ability to deliver vital services. We’ll review ethical marketing policies, and see how these align with those of our partners. And where there is difference, we’ll be taking combined recommendations to the social media platforms to show them how they can do better for those we support.

News & blogs

Brendan Kiernan, a professional footballer, in a match pointing at something off camera

The power of play: from football drills to counselling skills

A reflection by Brendan Kiernan, professional footballer, qualified psychotherapist, and Place2Be Counsellor alumnus.

Read more
Good Practice Guide

Launch of good practice guide for schools - supporting displaced families

Place2Be is proud to have collaborated with Save the Children UK in the creation of a good practice guide.

Read more
Carrie Elizabeth Social Share

Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery launches new collection supporting Place2Be

Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery launches ‘Your Safe Space’, a collection designed to support connection and inner calm.

Read more