Preventing extremist behaviour in youth for a more inclusive and resilient society. The role of continuous training for educators

Abstract

The contribution represents an opportunity to reflect on the emerging problem of extremist behaviour among young people and the possibilities to prevent and contain this phenomenon through education in critical thinking, resilience, social cohesion and sense of belonging. Recognising the early signs of such behaviour is a skill that can enable educators to manage critical situations before they become emergencies. The issue seems particularly urgent to be addressed since, as some data show (UNESCO, 2019), incitement to extremism has increased in recent years in all European and non-European countries.

In particular, some results of the European project DIVE IN- "Preventing violent radicalisation among young individuals in Europe by innovative training approaches" will be reported. The main objective of this project is to prevent extremism and radicalisation through the construction of a blended training course addressed to educators and various professionals working with young people.