European Commission warns of alarming rise in youth hate speech across Europe

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) released its 2025 annual report warning that hate speech is having a growing impact on children and young people, especially online and in schools, and that levels of discriminatory discourse are "alarmingly high" across Europe. The report says xenophobic speech is the most common, with religion, citizenship, sexual orientation and gender identity also targeted, and notes that teachers are generally ill‑prepared to address the issue. It recommends stronger human‑rights education and media‑literacy training for pupils and staff.

In Portugal, the president of the National Association of Directors of Public Schools (ANDAEP), Filinto Lima, echoed the report, stating “It is evident that training in schools is needed … to address this theme” and acknowledging an increase in children both spreading and suffering from hateful messages. He pointed to programmes such as the PSP’s "Safe School" initiative as steps being taken, while other education leaders highlighted the influence of family and media on students' attitudes.