Scroll Off

A European project for a safer and more equal digital space

In today’s digital world, social media is both a space for connection, creativity, and freedom of expression - and an arena where hate speech and disinformation can spread rapidly. Gendered disinformation in particular affects young people’s sense of safety, self-image, and experience of equality online. ScrollOff is a pioneering European project, funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, that aims to empower young people, youth workers, and educators with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, prevent, and challenge gendered hate and disinformation in digital environments.

Empowering youth workers for real impact

ScrollOff is built on the understanding that youth workers play a crucial role in young people’s digital lives. Through the project, they gain tools, knowledge, and methods that enable them to engage confidently and critically in conversations about social media and digital norms. The project offers, among other things:

• Trainings and workshops that strengthen the ability to identify harmful narratives, language, and structures online.
• Interactive exercises that build confidence in responding to and supporting young people who are exposed to hate, threats, or harassment.
• Strategies that combine academic research with young people’s lived experiences and expert knowledge from across Europe.

Reference KeyBook – a practical and inspiring guide

A core output of ScrollOff is the Reference KeyBook, a comprehensive knowledge resource developed for youth workers, educators, and others working with young people.The KeyBook includes:

• Clear explanations of how gendered disinformation and hate operate in digital environments.
• Practical guidelines for detecting, analysing, and responding to harmful content.
• Concrete examples, case studies, and exercises that can be used directly in classrooms, study circles, and youth work settings.

Free courses and resources via the ScrollOff portal

As part of the project, ScrollOff has developed an open and free online portal. Here, young people and youth workers can:

• Enrol in digital courses on hate speech, disinformation, and gender equality on social media.
• Download educational materials, modules, and tools developed by experts.
• Network with other professionals and participants engaged in promoting digital equality and respectful online dialogue.

Training, workshops, and international exchange

Within the project, national workshops and an international lab are organized to strengthen youth workers’ capacity and collaboration. They aim to:

• Train youth workers through practical workshops and shared learning experiences.
• Create support groups and safer structures for young people facing gender-based hate and violence.
• Improve active communication and experience-sharing between professionals and young people, both nationally and internationally.

Youth workers’ skills are enhanced to support young people, raise awareness of gender-based violence, and empower youth to seek help and become stronger - both online and offline.

Policy briefs for long-term impact

As part of the project, policy briefs are developed as strategic knowledge tools for policymakers, youth organizations, and other societal actors. Based on analyses and evidence collected from project activities, the briefs aim to:

• Highlight gendered hate and disinformation as a serious societal challenge.
• Reinforce the recognition of youth workers’ essential role in combating online hate speech.
• Emphasize the need for national support structures and digital tools to protect and support young people.

Through evidence-based recommendations, the project contributes to the development of measures that can reduce gendered hate, counter disinformation, and improve support systems for young victims.

Why ScrollOff matters

Technology evolves rapidly, and young people are exposed daily to content that shapes their values, relationships, and perceptions of society. Gendered hate and disinformation harm individuals, undermine trust, normalize discrimination, and contribute to a more polarized social climate. ScrollOff provides concrete, evidence-based tools and makes knowledge widely accessible. Through education, collaboration, and digital learning, the project strengthens young people’s digital citizenship, promotes equality, and contributes to a more inclusive and democratic public dialogue.

Learn more about ScrollOff

Visit the project website for more information, resources, and current activities:
www.scrolloff.eu

Project period: 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2025

Funded by: European Commission

Contact

Do you have questions about ScrollOff or want to learn more about the project? Don’t hesitate to get in touch! We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions.

Project coordinator:
Tatjana Ristovski
tatjana.ristovski@ikf.se