When we think of individuals who become radicalized and commit acts of terrorism, we often picture adults. However, during a recent training session with the RCMP, we were made aware of a deeply concerning and surprising trend – the rising rates of violent radicalization among “some” Canadian youth. Over the past few years, we’ve written about topics such as Online Hate & Youth (1) and the challenges posed by the misogynistic messaging of Andrew Tate (2). Yet, the information shared by the RCMP has elevated our concern to a new level, highlighting an urgent need for parents, caregivers, educators, and school counsellors to recognize the threat of teen radicalization that can lead to terrorism. Here are some examples:
- RCMP reminds Canadians about violent online groups targeting youth (3)
- In Canada, between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, law enforcement arrested six minors (under the age of 18) for terrorism-related offences (Section 83 Canadian Criminal Code offence or placed them on a terrorism peace bond, Section 810.011, Canadian Criminal Code). (4)
- Ottawa youth facing terrorism charges in alleged plot against Jewish people: RCMP (5)
- fourth Calgarian — and the third teenager — to be arrested for terrorism (6)
- Explosives charges laid against Ottawa minor accused of terrorism (7)
- Figures from UK Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) show that one in five of those arrested for terrorism-related offences are under 18. (8)
- Six children among 14 to face trial over beheading of French teacher (9)
The onlife world is a vast and interconnected space where youth and teens spend a significant amount of their time. While the internet offers numerous benefits, including education, entertainment, and social connection, it also has darker corners where radical ideologies can thrive. Increasingly, “some” young people are being drawn into these spaces and radicalized, often without parents, caregivers, and even youth realizing it until it’s too late.
Contrary to popular belief, radicalization is not an issue limited to foreign influences but is also homegrown right here in Canada, requiring community-level awareness and the need for intervention strategies to be developed. To address this growing concern, it is essential for parents, caregivers, educators, and school counsellors to understand how radicalization happens online and how they can intervene effectively to protect youth and teens.
It is important to recognize that holding radical thoughts or engaging in radical ideology is not illegal in Canada. It becomes a legal issue when those beliefs lead to violent action which is now called terrorism. (10) Radicalization is a process where individuals adopt attitudes and ideologies that justify violence to achieve their goals and promote their beliefs. (11)
For some youth, radicalization occurs because they are raised in home environments where radical ideologies are normalized. Others become self-radicalized, through contributing and confounding factors such as:
- Religion
- Poverty and lack of opportunities
- Depression and low self-esteem
- Material incentives or the need to belong to a group
- Feelings of disconnect from society
- Racism or discrimination
- Government policies or actions that trigger religious or political radicalism
We also believe that the current political, social, and economic discussions surrounding gender, race, religion, immigration, and political affiliation in Canada and the Unites States are also heavily influencing youth radicalization. It is because of this fact that extremist groups exploit these topics to polarize youth and promote radical agendas.
Dr. Ratna Ghosh of McGill University here in Canada identified that radicalization is not instantaneous – it happens in what they identified as four stages: (12)
- Trigger Phase: Initial exposure to radical ideas or grievances
- Processing Phase: Internalizing extremist beliefs
- Identity Phase: Forming a new identity tied to the ideology
- Action Phase: Acting on those beliefs, often through violence
Understanding these phases can help parents and educators recognize where intervention might be most effective.
Specific to online radicalization, and as Dr. Ghosh stated, it doesn’t happen overnight. It is often a gradual process facilitated by sophisticated online algorithms, targeted recruitment efforts, and the isolation of young people into online echo chambers. For instance, social media platforms use algorithms designed to maximize engagement by showing users content similar to what they have already interacted with. If a teenager watches a video discussing controversial or fringe topics, the platform may recommend more extreme videos on the same subject. Over time, this creates a negative feedback loop that deepens exposure to radical content. A teen initially interested in understanding a political issue might find themselves going down the digital rabbit hole, immersed in conspiracy theories or extremist ideologies, often without realizing it.
Extremist recruiters also know where to find vulnerable young people. Platforms popular with youth, such as YouTube, TikTok, Discord, and gaming forums, are frequently used as hunting grounds for recruitment. (13) These recruiters often mask their intentions by embedding their messages in humor, memes, or shared interests. For example, a gaming forum discussion might start innocuously with talk about a new game but gradually introduce divisive or hateful rhetoric under the guise of edgy humor. This subtle approach lowers a young person’s defenses, making them more receptive to radical ideas – similar to the grooming process we see in online sexual predation and exploitation. (14) Specific to online gaming radicalization, Canadian based Dr Rachel Kowert offers some great resources specific to this modality of radicalization (15)
Private groups and chat apps, such as Telegram or WhatsApp, provide the next step in the radicalization process. (16) These encrypted platforms can act as more private echo chambers where individuals are exposed to a continuous stream of content that reinforces extremist beliefs. Within these spaces, opposing viewpoints are absent, and dissent is often discouraged, further entrenching young people in the ideology. A teenager who joins a private chat group to discuss political theories might find themselves bombarded with content that vilifies certain groups or promotes violence as a solution to perceived injustices. Over time, this closed environment can distort their understanding of reality and normalize extreme behavior.
Another tactic used by extremist groups is to gamify radicalization. (17) They present their ideologies through memes, jokes, or even online challenges that encourage participation – something MediaSmarts Canada has called “Casual Prejudice” which they describe as:
“When people say or do things that are negative towards a particular group, but are not aimed at a specific person. For example, someone uses a racist term in a comment, or share a meme of a person with a disability to make a joke”
This approach makes radical content more engaging and less intimidating, especially for younger audiences. For instance, a seemingly harmless meme making fun of a political figure can carry undertones of hate or bigotry, which gradually escalate in intensity. Youths drawn to the humor may start sharing these memes themselves, inadvertently becoming conduits for spreading radical ideas.
The root of vulnerability often lies in a teenager’s search for identity and belonging- especially with youth who are at risk offline. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and many young people grapple with feelings of isolation or a desire to find a purpose. Not only do extremist groups exploit these emotions by offering a sense of community and importance, but so do gangs, and some gangs can lead to radicalization. They craft narratives that frame young recruits as part of a larger struggle, portraying them as heroes fighting against a corrupt or unjust system. A teenager feeling disconnected from their peers might be drawn to these narratives, finding solace in the validation and purpose the group provides – another reason why anti-gang initiatives in schools and school districts are so important.
However, it is important for parents, caregivers, educators, and school counsellors to know, some radicalized youth operate independently of identified groups or gangs. These individuals, often called “lone wolves,” are motivated by radical ideologies or act in the name of extremist movements. (18) They typically display both wrath and hopelessness, which drives them toward violence and are often very hard to identify until they take action.
We have also learned that in some cases extremist groups will target youth not to recruit them into their ideology, but as a proxy to be used solely as a weapon to carry out an act of violence. As an example, a youth is caught in a sextortion where they are pressured to carry out a violent act against an identifiable group or target or else their intimate images will be leaked to their family or for other forms of child sexual exploitation. (19)
So, what should parents, caregivers, educators, and school counsellors be looking for? – Here’s a list from a group in the UK (Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership – BHSCP) that we believe are relevant to youth here in Canada as well. (20) As the BHSCP stated, “signs aren’t always obvious, but indicators that a child or young person is being radicalized may include”:
- Withdrawal from family and friends, or changing circle of friends
- Hostility towards others
- Talking as if from a script
- Being unwilling to discuss their views
- Increased levels of anger
- Being secretive, particularly around what they are doing on the internet
- Using extremist terms to exclude people or incite violence
- Expressing the values of extremist or terrorist organisations (including political or religious based grievances)
- Supporting violence and terrorism towards other cultures, nationalities, or religions
- Writing or creating artwork that promotes extremist values
- Talking about being a ‘martyr’
- Possession of extremist literature or other material, or trying to access extremist websites
- Possession of any material about weapons, explosives, or military training
Keep in mind, look for clusters of the indicators mentioned above, but understand that these signs don’t automatically mean a child is being radicalized. Often, this can reflect typical teenage behavior or signal other underlying issues. Consulting a family therapist can be your greatest support in navigating these concerns based on the above noted indicators.
Parents and caregivers have a crucial role to play in safeguarding their children from online radicalization. The most effective strategy begins with fostering open communication. Teens are more likely to share their online experiences if they feel they won’t be judged or punished. For example, instead of reacting harshly to a controversial video your child watches, consider asking questions like, “What about this video interested you?” or “How do you feel about what they’re saying?” This approach opens the door for meaningful dialogue and helps you understand their perspective.
Teaching critical thinking is another powerful tool. Encourage your child to evaluate the sources of information they encounter online and to question why certain content is being recommended to them. For instance, you could explain how algorithms work, using an example like, “Have you noticed how after you watch one cooking video, the platform shows you more? That same system applies to other topics, including politics or world events.” This can help them recognize when they’re being nudged toward a particular viewpoint.
It is also important for parents and caregivers to stay informed about their child’s online activities. While it’s not about spying, having an understanding of the platforms they use and the communities they engage with can help you identify potential red flags. Sudden changes in beliefs, increased secrecy about online activities, or a growing interest in divisive topics as mentioned earlier can be signs of radicalization. For instance, if your child starts using language that reflects extreme or hateful ideologies, it may warrant a deeper conversation.
Equally crucial is educating your child about media literacy. Discuss how misinformation spreads and the ways in which extremist groups manipulate narratives. For example, you could show them a meme or a piece of propaganda and analyze it together, pointing out how it uses humor or emotional appeals to convey its message – causal prejudice as mentioned earlier. This exercise not only builds their analytical skills but also empowers them to spot manipulation on their own.
Parents and caregivers should also encourage their children to build offline connections and engage in positive activities. Participation in sports, clubs, or volunteer work can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing the appeal of extremist groups. For example, a teen who feels valued as part of their school’s debate team or a community service project is less likely to seek validation from harmful online communities.
Parents and caregivers must lead by example. Demonstrating balanced technology use and critical thinking in your own media consumption sets a standard for your children to follow. Avoid polarizing language or promoting divisive content at home, as this can influence your child’s worldview. Instead, model empathy and an openness to diverse perspectives, showing them the value of respectful dialogue.
Educators and school counsellors also play a vital role in combating online radicalization. Schools can integrate digital literacy into their curriculum, teaching students about algorithms, echo chambers, and the importance of diversifying their sources of information. For example, a classroom activity could involve comparing how different news outlets cover the same story, highlighting bias and encouraging critical analysis. Educators and school counsellors can also create safe spaces for students to discuss polarizing issues, helping them develop reasoned perspectives rather than adopting extreme positions.
Promoting inclusivity within schools is equally important. When students feel respected and valued, they are less likely to seek validation in harmful spaces. Providing resources for mental health support and fostering a culture of inclusivity can make a significant difference. For instance, organizing peer mentorship programs or cultural appreciation events can help build a sense of community and belonging.
Collaboration between parents, caregivers, educators, and school counsellors is key. Schools can host workshops on digital safety, equipping parents with the knowledge and tools to guide their children – something that we offer and specialize in here at the White Hatter. Sharing resources, such as websites that teach media literacy or helplines for reporting radicalization, ensures a unified approach to this complex issue.
Online radicalization is a challenging but not insurmountable problem. By fostering open communication, teaching critical thinking, and building strong offline connections, parents and educators can create a protective environment that empowers youth to navigate the digital world responsibly. Through collective efforts, we can ensure that the internet remains a space of opportunity and learning, rather than one of harm and division.
Knowledge and the understanding and application of that knowledge is power specific to this topic area.
For those parent, caregivers, educators, and school counsellors who want to dig a little deeper into this topic, here are a couple of credible sources
https://www.mcgill.ca/peer/about-peer
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/online-hate-youth-what-parents-caregivers-educators-need-to-know/
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/the-contagion-effect-of-andrew-tate-on-youth-schools/
3/ https://rcmp.ca/en/news/2024/08/rcmp-reminds-canadians-about-violent-online-groups-targeting-youth
7/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/rcmp-ottawa-arrest-minor-terror-allegations-charges-1.7063075
8/ https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-66365312
10/ https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-12.html
13/ https://globalnews.ca/news/10857151/youths-social-media-isis-resurgence-national-security-threat/
14/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/online-sexual-predation-and-exploitation/
15/ https://rkowert.com/extremism-and-radicalization-in-digital-games/
18/https://rietjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EN_RIET_2024_N12.pdf#page=20
