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This note comes from Mistlift, a plain-language guide for parents and educators to what kids are into online.

A note for families: Online recruitment of teens into crime and extremism

Act Ages 13-17 Last checked December 16, 2025

What it is

Police in Montréal report more offers online that pay teens to commit crimes, and Canada has listed violent extremist networks that recruit young people through social media and gaming platforms as terrorist entities.

How much it matters

Real, documented harm. A person checked this card before it was published.

Should you worry?

Police and the federal government both say young people are being targeted online, either with offers of money for committing crimes or by violent extremist networks that recruit and radicalize them. Teens recruited this way can be exploited, pressured into staying and, in some cases, face criminal charges. Warning signs include sudden money or gifts with no clear source, new online contacts who push the conversation onto private or encrypted apps, secrecy about who they are talking to, and a new interest in violent or hateful content. Keep the conversation open, ask who they talk to online, and tell them that no offer of easy money from a stranger is ever safe. If you suspect a minor is being used for crime, contact police and keep any messages as evidence.

What to say

“I've read that some people online offer teens money to do things for them, or try to pull them into hateful groups. If anyone ever does that to you, even if it seems small, I want you to tell me, and you won't be in trouble. I'd rather hear it from you early than have you stuck in something that is hard to get out of.”

If you’re worried

If a young person is in immediate danger, call 911. If you know of a minor being used for crime, contact your local police, or give anonymous information through Info-Crime Montréal if you are in Montréal. The RENFORT line offers free, confidential support about armed violence. If sexual exploitation is involved, report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868) is there for young people, and 988 is available for anyone thinking about self-harm or suicide.

Sources

Read the full card, and share it, at mistlift.app/cards/online-recruitment-crime-extremism