Words matter. They frame understanding and thinking—and in a topic as nuanced and complex as harmful speech, it is critical to ensure a shared understanding of language.

Museum of Sticks and Stones uses the terms “harm”, “harmful speech”, and “harmful content” which is different from other common terms such as hate speech, toxic speech, and dangerous speech.

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Here we outline key terms, language and approaches we use:

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• Harmful Content: Content that is likely to cause harm can be identified by the following characteristics:
  • Rude
  • Disrespectful
  • Humiliating
  • Intimidating
  • Dehumanising or oppressing
  • Encouraging or supporting of violence
  • Normalises any of the above.

MoSS has a bias towards using the term  “harmful content” over “harmful speech” as the word speech is more traditionally linked to binary “freedom of speech” conversations which is not the focus on the project. Content can both include text and imagery.
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• Harm: Harm is created when content negatively impacts or limits someone's:
  • Mental or physical health
  • Feeling of worth or sense of self
  • Ability to participate
  • Safety (perceived or real) The impact of harm can be both immediate and/or longitudinal. All forms of harm are damaging, regardless of perceived severity

• ‍Offence: Offence is distinct from harm. Harmful content typically offends, but offensive content isn’t necessary harmful as per the definition above.
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• Toxic Speech: Defined by Google (Alphabet Inc) as “rude, disrespectful, or unreasonable comment that is likely to make someone leave a discussion.
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• Dangerous Speech: Dangerous Speech is any form of expression (speech, text, or images) that can increase the risk that its audience will condone or participate in violence against members of another group.
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• Hate Speech: Hate speech is often used in legal contexts and therefore varies widely between on jurisdictions. The Australian eSafety Commission defines hate speech as: “Reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people”.