Signs A Student May Be at Risk of Radicalization

Identify common warning signs and behaviors

Identifying these signs early can help Parents for Peace to intervene before the student becomes deeply entrenched in extremist ideologies:

  1. Changes in Appearance: Adopting new clothing styles, symbols, or tattoos associated with extremist groups. Displaying extremist symbols or paraphernalia.
  2. Isolation: Withdrawal from family, friends, and usual social circles, spending more time alone or with a new, secretive group.
  3. Secretive Behavior: Increased secrecy about activities, especially online. This can include hiding browser history or using encrypted messaging apps.
  4. Engagement with Extremist Content: Following or engaging with extremist groups or individuals online, sharing or liking extremist posts, and joining related online communities.
  5. Adopting Us vs. Them Mentality: Developing a strong sense of opposition or hostility towards specific groups or individuals, often blaming them for personal or societal problems.
  6. Decline in Academic Performance: Noticeable drop in grades or loss of interest in school activities and assignments.
  7. Expressions of Hopelessness or Despair: Talking about feeling hopeless, helpless, or excessively pessimistic about the future.
  8. Glorification of Violence: Justifying or expressing admiration for the use of violence to achieve ideological goals, discussing or showing interest in violent events or extremist attacks.
  9. Use of Radical Language: Adopting specific jargon or phrases commonly associated with extremist ideologies, using code words or symbols.
  10. Concern from Peers: Reports or concerns from friends, classmates, or family members about the student’s behavior or beliefs. Peers might notice changes or express worry about the student’s new interests or statements.
  11. Possession of Propaganda: Owning literature, symbols, or other materials related to extremist ideologies, such as flags, posters, or manifestos.
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Parents for Peace (P4P) runs the nation’s first and only free & confidential intervention helpline. We help Families understand and address a loved one’s attraction to extreme beliefs and behaviors. Call us at 844-49-PEACE (844-497-3223) or email us at help@parents4peace.org.  We take a non-partisan, public health approach and implement strict data protection and confidentiality protocols.

We are not a crisis line. In case of emergency, contact 911 or 988 immediately.

RESILIENT FAMILIES, SAFER COMMUNITIES

Parents for Peace (P4P) empowers families to build resilience against extreme beliefs and behaviors, as a public health issue. By partnering with educators, we aim to provide the knowledge and tools needed to identify and counteract extremist influences, ensuring safe learning environments for all.

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“Forgiveness is a sublime example of humanity that I explore at every opportunity, because it was the unconditional forgiveness I was given by people who I once claimed to hate that demonstrated the way from there to here.”
Arno Michaelis
Peer Support Specialist

Once the lead singer of a Neo-Nazi metal band, Arno’s life took a dramatic turn with the birth of his daughter, leading him from hate to hope. Today, as a speaker, filmmaker, and author of My Life After Hate and co-author of The Gift of Our Wounds, Arno uses his narrative to encourage empathy and understanding. His work at Parents for Peace focuses on helping individuals reject violence by seeing themselves in others and finding common humanity. Learn about the rest of our team here.