Prevention of Violent Extremism
Violent extremism violates child’s rights in many ways. It undermines child’s fundamental right to live free from all forms of violence and discrimination, and denies them the right to grow and develop in a safe and supportive environment. Exposure to violence and hostile attitudes erodes well-being, weakens the sense of safety, and darkens future prospects.
Recurring global crises, such as wars and armed conflicts, economic uncertainty, and fluctuations in the international security situation, have increased societal tensions and intensified polarization, including in Finland. A societal climate marked by uncertainty creates fertile ground for violent attitudes and hate-fueled speech, both of which have become increasingly visible. These developments are directly reflected in the everyday lives of children and young people, eroding their well-being and weakening the conditions essential for healthy growth and development.
Hostile and hateful attitudes alongside the normalization of violence are particularly evident in digital spaces, where violent content—such as hate speech and videos that depict or glorify violence—spreads rapidly. On many digital platforms, such content has become commonplace and part of the digital reality of many children and young people.
Information about violent extremism
Here you find basic information about violent radicalisation, extremism and how violent ideologies are formed
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For professionals
Here you can find materials for professionals working with children and youth to support the prevention of hostile ideologies and violent extremism
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Youth as a target for extremist recruitment
Violent extremist groups seek to ensure the continuity of their activities and are constantly recruiting new members and supporters for their ideologies. Extremist propaganda spreads especially online, and nearly all extremist movements use social media, video game platforms, and dark web forums to advance their agenda. Violent ideologies are particularly spread to a wider audience…
Violent extremism online
Violent extremism affects children and young people in many ways. It endangers the child’s right to well-being, development, and a safe growing environment. Narrow-minded extremism opposing diversity and equality, undermines societal cohesion, increases polarization, and exposes children to hate speech, violent rhetoric, and physical violence. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to violent extremism…