Struggling with extremists: parents and educational institutions seek guidance - Authorities Struggle with Influence of Radical Groups in Education Institutions and Homes
Berlin and eastern Germany are grappling with a growing concern over the increasing involvement of young teens in far-right youth groups. The Brandenburg state office of constitutional protection has expressed concern about groups like "Young & Strong," "Last Defense Wave," and "German Youth Forward," which have been involved in disrupting and threatening events such as Christopher Street Day.
To combat this trend and support affected teens, various actions are being taken. Community and grassroots efforts are playing a significant role, with local associations, Christian Scout groups, educators, and conservative politicians actively opposing far-right hostility and hate. They work together to create safe spaces and counter narratives that discourage nationalism and extremism among youth.
Young people themselves are also crucial in standing against far-right ideologies. Organizations like Alternative Youth have members who speak out about their experiences and fears, showing peer-level resistance and awareness.
Police have increased their presence at sensitive events like Pride marches, and in Berlin and other eastern German cities, law enforcement has arrested minors suspected of planning attacks on these events. Non-profit organizations like CeMAS monitor extremist activities, informing the public and authorities about the threats posed by far-right groups.
During Pride events and others, counter-demonstrations by right-wing extremists are met with organized resistance by civil society groups promoting diversity and inclusion. However, challenges remain, such as the normalization of far-right sentiments among younger peers, hostility in neighborhoods, and online hate speech that further radicalizes young people.
The first goal of counseling for teens involved in far-right groups is to help them distance themselves from violence. These groups, which recruit teens as young as 14, offer combat sports as an entertainment value and fulfill needs for belonging, action, orientation, and meaning for the recruited teens. The Violence Prevention Network in Berlin has reported a rising demand for counseling due to young teens getting drawn into far-right groups.
These far-right groups, such as "Young & Strong" and "German Youth Forward," are violent, anti-Semitic, and glorify Nazism, according to the Brandenburg state office of constitutional protection. Despite concerns from organizations like the Violence Prevention Network and the Brandenburg state office of constitutional protection, these groups continue to recruit teens through social media.
Continuous efforts combining education, social support, law enforcement, and community engagement are essential to effectively combat this trend and protect vulnerable teens in Berlin and eastern Germany.
The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the context of continued concerns about far-right groups recruiting young teens through social media. As entertainment and politics often intertwine on social-media platforms, it's crucial to monitor extremist activities, especially those promoting violence, anti-Semitism, and glorifying Nazism, like those seen in groups such as "Young & Strong" and "German Youth Forward." Additionally, awareness about general-news and crime-and-justice issues, which can help youth identify signs of radicalization, should be part of educational programs targeting teenagers.
