“HejTY React” – A Regional Lesson on Respect, Responsibility and Countering Hate

Hate speech, cyberbullying and online abuse are issues that young people encounter every day, both on the internet and in their daily lives. To raise awareness of their consequences and teach effective ways of responding to verbal violence, the educational event “HejTY React” was held on Wednesday (24 June) at the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Arena Toruń. The regional self-government was represented by Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

“Five thousand young people came here to stand up against hate and understand its nature. Today, they became warriors whose shield is kindness. As a regional self-government, we will always support initiatives like this,” emphasized Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski.

The “HejTY React” project is linked to a nationwide initiative run by the #DOBRYhasztag Foundation, whose mission is to combat hate speech and cyberbullying while strengthening the social and emotional skills of young people. The programme is based on the belief that indifference to verbal abuse allows it to persist, which is why it places particular emphasis on fostering responsibility, empathy and the courage to respond when others are harmed.

During the event, participants learned what hate speech is, what consequences it can have for mental health and social relationships, and how to recognize and counter hateful language. The programme also addressed topics such as building a culture of respect, responsible communication and supporting people who experience verbal abuse. The event was inspired by the experiences of the “Action RELation – HejTY React!” programme, which has brought together thousands of young participants in cities across Poland and combined educational activities with the involvement of experts, psychologists and public figures actively engaged in social issues.

The scale of the problem remains significant. According to data cited by the #DOBRYhasztag Foundation, as many as 80 percent of young people witness hate speech, while more than one-third experience its negative emotional effects, including anxiety, reduced self-esteem and social withdrawal.

Department of Promotion
& Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

25 June 2026