Keeping Youth Safe from RADICALIZATION

There is no agreed upon definition of “radicalization” and this has been cause for debate in research, political, and social circles around the concept. Generally speaking, radicalization is the process by which one becomes an extremist.  Researchers have almost unanimously agreed that this is happens as a “process”, and not happening instantly or overnight.

The process of radicalization can be incredibly challenging to identify and there is no single “pathway” to extremism. Some consider radicalization to be entirely cognitive while others determine it is the actions that extremist ideas ultimately cause that identify whether someone is “radicalized”.

There are many elements at play here, and some truths that also might sound contradictory. First, it is important to understand that just because someone might adopt or sympathize with extremist beliefs does not mean that they will commit acts of violence; in the same vein, not everyone that commits an act of terrorism has a firm grasp or belief in the ideology that they might be acting on. This might be contrary to what you see in the media, however a study focusing on the recruitment and radicalization of far-right terrorists in the United States found that there are many non-ideological factors are at play in recruiting individuals to these groups. These include: acceptance from peers, increasing ones’ self-confidence and level of personal significance, and an attraction to the group’s forbidden image (reference below).

Some people gravitate toward extremist groups for many of the same reasons people may join gangs and cults. These groups might offer something to a person that isn’t offered elsewhere in their lives. Some of these reasons include:

• they feel ostracized by their peers and are looking for a place to belong

• they are searching for their own identity and believe that they will find it by joining these groups

• they are simply looking for a new thrill or source of excitement

• they want to go out and correct a perceived injustice

• they already believe a less extreme version of the religion or ideology, but become influenced by an authority figure or someone they look up to who has a more extreme perspective

There are a handful signs that are consistent across cases of radicalization, however it is also very important to note that just because someone might be showing these signs, it does not mean that they are in the process of being radicalized. Having discussions with your child is important to get the full understanding of what is happening.

Signs may include:

• isolating themselves from friends and family

• becoming disinterested in school or old hobbies

• abrupt disrespectful attitudes toward others

• suddenly approving of the use of violence to support a cause

• believing that anyone who does not support their beliefs as less than

• increased secrecy around their internet activity

• visiting extremist websites

• starting to show sympathy towards extremist groups

• displaying intolerant and discriminatory behavior towards people of other races, ethnicities, etc.

• changing their online identity

Just because your child exhibits one or more of these behaviors does not necessarily mean that they are becoming radicalized. Some of these warning signs could mean there are other issues at hand, in which case it is also important to be aware of the issue and try and give them the help they need. Discovering what is really going on in your child’s life can be a difficult task, especially if they are determined to shut you out, but if your child is talking to extremists or beginning the process of radicalization, it’s important to have a discussion with the child and to know necessary outlets of helping them to keep them safe.

It is also important to keep in mind that many radical groups have become quite skilled in teaching their recruits how to deceive those around them. Most recruiters will instruct their recruits to act as normally as possible and will ask that they not change their behavior significantly (to avoid being caught). For more information please read What to Do if Your Child is talking to An Unsafe Person. 

Sources: Statistics are from PIRUS Data set by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism https://www.start.umd.edu/profiles-individual-radicalization-united-states-pirus-keshif

Simi, Pete, and Steven Windisch, Karyn Sporer. “Recruitment and Radicalization among US Far Right Terrorists.” College Park, MD: START, 2016. https://www.start.umd.edu/pubs/START_RecruitmentRadicalizationAmongUSFarRightTerrorists_Nov2016.pdf