Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) says the radicalisation of young people is becoming an increasing concern, reflecting a wider trend seen across Europe as extremist groups use online platforms to recruit vulnerable individuals, Latvia’s national agency LETA and public broadcaster LSM.lv reported on June 29.

According to the agency, several cases of youth radicalisation have been identified in recent years, prompting preventive action and, in some instances, criminal investigations. Some young people have faced charges linked to publicly glorifying terrorism, distributing extremist material and receiving terrorist training.

The issue was highlighted during a recent meeting of the Counterterrorism Centre's Expert Advisory Council, organised by the VDD, where specialists discussed ways to prevent young people from becoming involved in extremist activities.

One recent case resulted in an 18-year-old, who had embraced right-wing extremism, receiving a four-year suspended sentence after being convicted of terrorism-related offences.

The VDD says extremist organisations increasingly target young people through social media and online gaming platforms, including TikTok, Discord, Telegram, Steam and Roblox. Young people are considered particularly vulnerable because they are more susceptible to manipulation, especially if they experience social isolation or mental health difficulties.

Security officials also note a growing tendency for some young people to become attracted to violence itself rather than any specific political or ideological cause, making it harder to identify traditional patterns of radicalisation, LETA and LSM.lv reported.

The agency has outlined several warning signs that may indicate radicalisation. These include sudden withdrawal from family and friends, dramatic changes in appearance linked to extremist beliefs, a growing interest in violent ideologies or propaganda, rejection of democratic values, racist attitudes, hostility towards immigrants and a fascination with weapons, explosives or paramilitary activities.

Other indicators may include an obsession with violent video games, support for violence as a means of achieving political goals and increased secrecy online, including the use of encrypted messaging applications.

However, the VDD stresses that none of these signs alone necessarily indicates radicalisation, LETA and LSM.lv reported.

Lithuania's State Security Department (VSD) recently issued a similar warning, as reported by IntelliNews