Support for ideological violence among adolescents : risk and protective factors within a cyber-developmental framework

The surge in ideological violence among youth is presently jeopardizing social cohesion and perceptions of safety within educational institutions and in society at large, making the prevention of targeted forms of violence a pressing public health priority. Radical ideas and actions aimed at promoting or halting social and/or political change are an important motor of social change. Nonetheless, it is crucial to better understand what can drive youth away from democratic means towards the legitimization of violence to reach such specific goals. This is particularly important during adolescence, a seminal period for the development of ideologies and a time of heightened risk for violence. This webinar will present research results that shed light on how and why adolescents’ attitudes towards ideological violence change over time to provide insights into promising ways to prevent risks of ideological violence among adolescents.

Key Learning Objectives: 

1. To define and understand support for ideological violence and non-violent activism in youth
2. To differentiate ideologically-motivated violent attitudes and behaviors within a developmental and public health perspective
3. To identify determinants of support for ideological violence in adolescence within a socio-ecological and social justice framework
4. To understand practical implications of findings for primary prevention with youth