It is all too easy for people to become radicalized without even leaving home.

friend,

The mainstreaming of hate and extremism poses a grave threat to the core pillars of our democracy. In response to this threat, the SPLC and the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University have partnered to create free resources to help communities confront and build resilience against online hate propaganda that can radicalize young people.

In the post-COVID-19 era, youth spend more time online than ever, and hate and extremist groups have taken notice. Now, it is all too easy for people to become radicalized without even leaving home. The proliferation of extremist spaces and content online has created new and powerful avenues for radicalization, especially for young people who are often the targets of radical-right propaganda.

The SPLC and PERIL released a free, shareable guide — Building Resilience & Confronting Risk — to provide tangible steps to counter the threat of online radicalization, including information on new risks, how to recognize warning signs and how to get help and engage a radicalized child or young adult.

Originally published in June 2020, A Parents & Caregivers Guide to Online Youth Radicalization lays a foundation for understanding the nature of extremism, dynamics of radicalization, and steps you can take to prevent them from taking root in your community. Added to the suite of resources in November 2022, A Community Guide to Online Youth Radicalization extends that foundation to all trusted adults within a young person’s network of care. To support whole-of-community resilience against manipulation by extremist beliefs, this guide provides guidance specific to the varying roles adults take on in young people’s lives.

We cannot overstate the importance of supporting youth through crises that can prompt them to fall victim to extremist propaganda. The tremendous insecurity brought on by crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can make the kinds of simplistic solutions offered by far-right extremists more appealing. We cannot prevent future crises of that nature, but we can offer resources to young people and their adults in their lives to prevent the proliferation of radicalization and hate.

In honor of Hate Crimes Awareness Month, please give what you can to the SPLC today to support our continued work with PERIL to help young people navigate a troubled world, protect our communities from hate and counter white supremacy.

With gratitude,

Your friends at the Southern Poverty Law Center

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