Behind Australia’s surge in teen extremism: the online networks drawing young people in

A growing online ecosystem

The rise in youth extremism is taking place across a broad online ecosystem. Investigations have tracked networks that promote violence and nihilism for their own sake, while coercing victims close in age to carry out brutal and degrading acts.

In March, Guardian Australia reported that most people charged with the new federal crime of possessing violent extremist material were under 18. The report highlighted the age of those facing charges as concern about youth involvement grows.

Young people, varied backgrounds

The young people came from different family circumstances: some had stable homes, while others did not. The findings point to no single background shared by all the cases.

Darwin charges and online identity

In the past month, two teenagers in Darwin were charged with collecting documents that could facilitate terrorist acts. Their cases have emerged amid wider concerns about young people’s activity in online spaces.

Smith argues the issue should not be viewed only as radicalisation. Some young people, she says, find identity in online communities that can seem exciting and transgressive but may harm them and encourage harm to others.

Smith compared involvement in these spaces with unhealthy subcultures such as gangs or crime for payment. She said online options for young people had expanded beyond what was available years ago.