Materials for professionals

This publication examines the current state of extremist online recruitment targeting children and young people. It describes the complex web of hatred that children are often exposed to without any intent of their own. For professionals, the publication offers guidance for working with this issue, and for policymakers it presents recommendations on how to prevent online recruitment of young people.

The purpose of this publication is to increase the readers’ understanding of
the prevention of violent extremism and radicalisation as well as aid in recognising risk factors related to violent radicalisation. The main focuses of the publication are the roles of both online and offline interactions in recruitment. Additionally, it delves into the effects of conspiracy narratives and the COVID-19 pandemic in radicalisation processes.

The publication covers basic information on violent extremism and radicalisation, what kind of effects they have on the welfare of children and youth, as well as what can protect them from absorbing destructive mindsets. In particular, the report delves into how these intricate phenomena appear online, particularly in Finnish online environments.