Violent extremism among teens
A Québec teen with extremist views was arrested after posting online threats against a school, a rare but serious case that shows why hateful talk and threats should never be brushed off as jokes.
Should I worry?
This is rare, and most teens who see hateful content online never act on it. But it is worth knowing about: in a recent case reported by the press, police arrested a teen who had made threats online against several communities and a school. Warning signs include growing isolation, jokes about hatred or violence that stop sounding like jokes, secrecy about new online groups, admiration for people who committed attacks, and blaming whole groups of people for personal problems. Stay calm and keep talking, since a teen who feels shut out is more likely to drift further. Take any specific threat seriously, even when your teen says it was a joke: contact the school or the police, and call 911 if someone may be in immediate danger.
How to join in
Extremist groups online often offer what teens are looking for: belonging, a sense of purpose, an explanation for their anger, and humour that makes it all feel like an inside joke. That is why it can start small and feel harmless to a teen. A good way in is curiosity, not interrogation. Ask which online communities or channels they spend time in, what they like about them, and what they make of the news when a story like this comes up.
Try saying
“I saw a news story about a teen who got caught up in some really hateful online groups, and it made me think about how easy it is to end up in places like that. You can always tell me if something online feels off or makes you angry, and I won't freak out. What do you think pulls people in?”
If you’re worried
If someone may be in immediate danger, call 911. If you are worried about a teen's online activity or threats, contact the school and your local police. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868) is there for teens who are angry, isolated or struggling. If anything touches on self-harm or suicide, call or text 988.
Sources
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.