Parenting is hard. Here are tips to help you talk about online radicalization and targeted gun violence.

Foster open Communication: Encourage open dialogue with your teen or young adult about their online and offline activities, including the content they are exposed to and the people they interact with. Be especially concerned about gaming sites and online forums.

Educate About Extremism: Help your student understand how extremist groups use manipulation tactics to recruit and radicalize individuals. Watch for signs that they could be involved with targeted violence of any kind. Attend educational events at your child’s school or in the community. Check out the Research page on this website.

Monitor Online Activity: Monitor your teen's online activity without invading their privacy. This could involve using parental control software to monitor websites visited or social media interactions. Please let your teen know that this is for their safety, not to invade their privacy.

Be a Positive Role Model: Set a good example by modeling positive online and offline behavior. Show your teen or young adult how to engage respectfully with others and how to avoid spreading hate or extremism.

Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If you notice signs that your teen or young adult may be getting involved in extremist ideologies or if they are exhibiting concerning behavior, seek help from a mental health professional or school counselor. Parents 4 Peace also has resources to help with these specific issues.