Sticks & Stones takes a mental health and community approach in reducing harmful content in digital spaces. We believe that by improving people’s understanding of the experiences, impacts, and origins of harmful content, that we can make the internet a more empathetic and human place.
of Australians experience harm in online spaces.
Comments, forums, likes, shares, views, followers, platforms—the way we talk to and treat each other online is a reflection of society at large. Discrimination, harassment, and abuse is magnified by the ability dehumanise each other from behind a screen.
It's an issue that impacts us all, though women, young people, LGBTIQ+ people, and First Nations communities disproportionately experience harm online.
¼ of those impacted seek medical support for the harm they experience and ¼ have their work affected. The Australia Institute suggests that online harm costs Australian people $3.7 billion in lost income and health costs as a result.
Our approach isn't to define what should or shouldn't be said. Rather, we believe that by understanding each others' experiences, we're more likely to refect on our own actions and make conscious decisions about the things we say and do.
Below is a simplified model that outlines this change and where we primarily focus:
Sticks & Stones is an emerging and long term programme of research and solutions. The projects listed below are just the beginning and we can't wait to share more soon.
Sticks & Stones is currently undertaking intensive research into what it takes to effectively shift people's behaviour and action to create less harm in online spaces.
Findings released end of 2022
Sticks & Stones will apply the learnings from the research phase able to create a digital platform with resources, tool, and knowledge to help others reduce harm in online spaces.
Launching 2023
A real world space dedicated to exploring hate, harm, and humanity. The MoSS will provide a safe space for all to understand how hate emerges, what it means to be human, and how we can create less harm - through curated installations, experiences, and art.
Coming in 2024+
Sticks & Stones is made possible by the support and collaboration of the following amazing people and organisations:
We're officially launching August 18 with a gala event in Brisbane, Australia.
We're proud to welcome on Board Vivian Vu as the latest member of the Sticks & Stones Team.
We're excited to be partnering with the world's second largest market research organisation—Ipsos for the research phase of Sticks & Stones.
Take part in our survey to help us understand "What does it take to change your mind?"
Take part in our survey to help us understand "What types of people do you come across on the internet?"
