6.3.2025
- Hrvatski Telekom launches the "Pa-pa govoru mržnje" (Bye-Bye to Hate Speech) campaign, highlighting the extent of this social issue among young people in Croatia
- A study by Hrvatski Telekom reveals that 52% of young people in Croatia have experienced hate speech, primarily due to their sexual orientation, physical appearance, or national and ethnic affiliation.
- Hrvatski Telekom and Hiljson Mandela have collaborated on the trap hit "Pa pa pa," calling on young people to raise their voices against hate speech
The "Pa-pa govoru mržnje" campaign is a clear and uncompromising message of Hrvatski Telekom's socially responsible initiative, urging everyone, especially young people, to oppose hate speech. HT's initiative aims to raise awareness about the problem, which is predominantly spread online, warn about its lasting effects on the mental health of victims, and encourage society towards greater tolerance and understanding.
Hrvatski Telekom has partnered with Hiljson Mandela, Croatia's most popular trap artist, who, with his new hit "Pa pa pa," invites young people to join forces against hate speech. The song premiered today at a unique pop-up event in the center of Zagreb, delighting numerous fans and passersby.
The results of a study Hrvatski Telekom carried out in July 2024 among young people in Croatia aged 16 to 25 confirm that hate speech is a serious social problem. It is alarming that 1 in 2 young people (52%) have personally experienced hate speech, while 69% have witnessed it directed at others. The most common reasons for being targeted are sexual orientation, physical appearance, and national or ethnic affiliation.
More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) consider hate speech a serious problem, and 81% believe it threatens the mental health of young people. Lack of self-confidence, higher anxiety, depression, and feelings of social isolation are just some of the deep and lasting consequences that hate speech can have on mental health. In an era where digital technology is an integral part of daily life, 71% of respondents believe that hate speech online leads to more violence in real life. It is crucial to openly discuss this issue and invest in education that promotes tolerance, according to half of the young people who participated in the study.
These alarming data highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and action against hate speech in society, precisely the goal of Hrvatski Telekom's national campaign "Pa-pa govoru mržnje."
"Hrvatski Telekom recognizes its responsibility in creating a safer digital environment for young people. We are aware that the perceived anonymity of the internet and social media often encourages the spread of hate speech, leaving too many young people as its victims every day. With the 'Pa-pa govoru mržnje' campaign, we want to encourage Generation Alpha and Z members to raise their voices, openly talk about this problem, and advocate for each other, knowing they can count on our support. Our message is clear: intolerance has no place online or offline. Every voice can be part of the change, and together, we can build a more tolerant and positive society where we choose respect instead of hate," emphasized Branka Bajt, Director of the Brand Sector at Hrvatski Telekom.
Hiljson Mandela is one of the most listened-to domestic musicians among young people. He has openly and sincerely spoken about the mental health of young people. His music reflects the experiences of Generations Z and Alpha and now gains a new dimension through messages that empower and encourage change. Under the title "Pa pa pa," Hiljson has recorded the first trap song that spreads positive energy and invites young people to stand against any form of hate speech.
"The world could be a better place where we are all as one and live happily. Imagine, like Lennon, that there are no problems, and we all sing together: No hate speech, just positivity," Hiljson says in the song "Pa pa pa."
The new song "Pa pa pa" can be listened to here, and all young people can join the campaign against hate speech through activities on Hrvatski Telekom's social media: Instagram and TikTok.