Teen radicalisation limited but requires close attention, say experts

2026-03-15 - 03:03

Young people are often targeted by radical influences due to their age, access to technology and tendency to search for identity. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Radicalisation among teenagers remains limited and largely under control, but still warrants deep concern as the process typically unfolds gradually and is difficult to detect early, say experts. Criminologist P Sundramoorthy from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said the presence of radical cells among youth could pose security risks, even though radicalisation among teenagers is not a widespread phenomenon. “From a criminological perspective, the issue is still serious because the radicalisation process usually occurs slowly and often goes unnoticed in the beginning,” he told FMT. Sundramoorthy noted several recent arrests involving youths aged between 16 and 21 who were allegedly influenced by Islamic State militant ideology. He explained that people who have undergone radicalisation are more likely to engage in extreme acts, even if they operate in small numbers or alone. Sundramoorthy was commenting on concerns raised by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over the involvement of teenagers in activities linked to terrorism and extremist ideologies, following the arrest of the six. On March 6, police said the six male suspects nabbed were believed to have planned attacks on police stations and public infrastructure. The investigations also found that the suspects’ exposure to social media content related to warfare and geopolitical crises in the Middle East, as well as online games, particularly Roblox, contributed to the development of radical ideas among them at a young age. Sundramoorthy said that in many modern radicalisation cases, recruiters do not immediately call for violence. “They typically begin with narratives of injustice, religious solidarity or identity, before gradually evolving into extremist ideology,” Sundramoorthy said. He added that prevention efforts must combine security, education and community-based approaches, while strengthening cyber monitoring and improving digital literacy. Meanwhile, Mizan Aslam, an international security studies expert at United Arab Emirates University, said young people are often targeted by radical influences due to their age, access to technology and their tendency to search for identity. “Online games such as Roblox, for example, provide space for teenagers to build certain imaginations, including elements of combat or conflict, which certain parties can manipulate to influence their thinking,” he said. He noted that similar situations have been reported in several other countries, including Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom. Mizan said early prevention is crucial, as radicalisation must be addressed proactively and requires shared responsibility, including from digital platform providers. “When dealing with radical ideologies, the approach must be both preventive and offensive. We cannot wait for something to happen before taking action,” he said.