Prevention of extremism in the youth environment. What is extremism? Article 282 of the Criminal Code

Prevention of extremism in the youth environment is one of the priority tasks of the educational sphere and society as a whole. This is a complex socio-psychological problem, which in modern conditions has become relevant for all states of the world.

What is extremism?

Such a concept as extremism has been given many definitions (both scientific and legal). Despite the fact that this problem is on everyone’s lips, a single term has not been formulated. So, for example, extremism is interpreted as a penchant for extreme measures and views with a large explanatory dictionary. Nevertheless, scientists agree that such a definition is very vague. The emphasis should be placed on the commission of unlawful acts.

To the question of what extremism is, Dr. Coleman and Dr. Bartoli answer in a slightly different way. They believe that this is human activity, far from generally accepted norms, adherence to strict forms of conflict resolution. Nevertheless, there are some snags here. The main difficulty is the definition of generally accepted norms, because for each state and society they can differ significantly.

What relates to extremist acts

Unfortunately, in international practice there is not only a single definition of the term "extremism". There is also no unified description of the activities that fall under this description. But in order for the prevention of extremism in the youth environment to be effective, it is worthwhile to clearly understand what has to be fought. To determine the concept and its manifestations, it is worth referring to regulatory documents. The Law "On Countering Extremist Activities" interprets this concept as follows:

• forced change of the provisions of the Constitution, as well as an attempt to violate the integrity of the state;
• public justification of terrorist acts ;
• propaganda of social, racial and religious intolerance;
• the spread of ideas of human superiority on racial, religious or any other basis;
• violation of human rights and freedoms on a racial, religious or national basis;
• obstruction of the legitimate activities of public services or religious organizations through threats or coercion;
• hindering the participation of citizens in the electoral process by threats or by force;
• propaganda of Nazi ideology, as well as a public demonstration of its symbols and attributes;
• mass production, storage and distribution of extremist materials; public calls for participation in extremist activities;
• public false accusation of persons holding public office;
• financing, organizing and preparing the actions indicated above, incitement.

Factors of youth extremism

The fight against international extremism implies, first of all, working with youth as the most vulnerable category of citizens. In order for the activity to be effective, you need to understand where such ideas come from young people. So, among the factors of youth extremism it is worth noting especially:

• the influence of parents who differ in radical beliefs;
• the influence of a group of peers who are adherents of extremist views;
• the influence of authoritative persons in the circle of a teenager (teachers, leaders of sports or creative sections, leaders of youth organizations, etc.);
• stress leading to disintegration in society;
• own ideas and moral attitudes;
• personal psychological characteristics (aggressiveness, suggestibility);
• mental stress.

The main directions of work

There is currently a growing threat of recruitment of boys and girls by terrorist organizations. In this regard, the prevention of extremism among young people should be carried out in the following areas:

• close interaction of educational institutions with parents;
• advanced training of teaching staff on this issue;
• inclusion in the educational program of individual subjects or topics related to the prevention of extremism;
• the introduction of educational programs related to the moral education of children and youth (prevention of offenses, violence and homelessness);
• continuous monitoring of the level of tolerance in society, especially among young people;
• analysis of the processes occurring in the youth environment, as well as their philosophical and sociocultural aspects;
• making cultural goods accessible to youth;
• the realization of the need for self-realization and self-expression;
• organization of leisure for students (volunteer projects, social programs).

Activities with different youth groups

Prevention of extremism in the youth environment should be carried out taking into account its heterogeneity. Two main areas of work can be distinguished:

• With groups that have not yet formed extremist inclinations. Such young people are usually voluntarily involved in social work, as they do not have any aggressive or illegal moods. The task of prevention is only to consolidate tolerant worldviews.
• With groups that already have extremist worldviews and beliefs. Such work in most cases is carried out in a forced manner, and therefore young people can be aggressive. It is important to find an individual, non-standard approach that will help to establish trusting relationships. The result should be the conviction of the teenager, the rejection of extremist views and the active inclusion in public life.

Risk group

Despite the fact that preventive activities should be carried out among all young people, there are some categories that are most susceptible to such influences. Having studied the list of extremists, one can distinguish the following risk groups:

• children from dysfunctional families with a low level of income and social status, lack of education, as well as a tendency to various kinds of deviations (alcoholism, violence, drug use);
• the so-called golden youth, whose representatives, due to certain conditions, feel permissiveness and impunity, as well as perceive extremism as entertainment or a normal pastime;
• adolescents who are characterized by psychological problems that determine the propensity for aggression and inadequate response to certain events;
• representatives of youth subcultures, informal groups and street companies characterized by aggressive behavior and deviant beliefs;
• members of political movements and religious associations who, under the influence of certain ideas and beliefs, can carry out activities dangerous to society.

Key Tasks

Prevention of extremism should not be chaotic or spontaneous. It is important to carefully consider each step and its details. The plan for the prevention of extremism should be aimed at solving the following significant tasks:

• application to adolescents and young people of attitudes about the need to observe and protect the rights of any citizen, as well as strict observance of legislative norms;
• the formation of adolescents' ideas about the norms of behavior adopted in civil society;
• conveying to parents the importance of creating tolerant moods in the family;
• creation of self-government cells in educational institutions that will carry out educational activities;
• the formation in the minds of youth of confidence in the inevitability of punishment for extremist activity in all its manifestations;
• developing young people 's skills of safe behavior and self-defense in the face of a terrorist act.

Key events

Many methodological recommendations have been developed that describe recommended measures for the prevention of extremism. At school and other educational institutions, the following actions are recommended:

• Establishing relationships and coordinating work with the juvenile commission. Its employees should be involved in direct work with students, as well as participation in parent meetings.
• Organization of courses for teaching staff on the prevention of extremism. For students of secondary and higher educational institutions, round tables or discussions on this topic can be held. In this case, the participation of representatives of law enforcement agencies is mandatory.
• Conduct classroom "Prevention of extremism and terrorism" at school. During these activities, legal norms and liability for their violation should be considered. Attention should also be paid to educating students in a sense of respect and tolerance for other cultures, nationalities, religions, and beliefs.
• Regular parent-teacher meetings, which will consider not only organizational issues, but also issues of educating law-abiding citizens.
• The development of a system according to which students or their parents can apply for the protection of their legal rights and interests, if they are infringed.

Work with parents

It is no secret that the basic beliefs and personal qualities are formed precisely under the influence of the family. Consequently, work to prevent extremism in schools should involve close contact with parents. The following information should be reported to them:

• the specifics of youth subcultures and informal organizations, as well as their potential danger;
• the degree of responsibility of parents for crimes of minor children;
• forms of aggression, as well as the prevention of their manifestation in adolescents;
• mechanisms for involving children in extremist activities;
• determination of the age of criminal liability for offenses, as well as a description of possible penalties;
• the essence of such concepts as “terrorism” and “extremism”;
• the specifics of the formation of life position and beliefs in adolescents;
• the need for employment of adolescents (circles, sections and other forms) outside school hours.

Responsibility

A person who has reached a certain age established by law may be involved in both administrative and criminal activities for extremism. Article 282 of the Criminal Code provides for liability for the following acts:

• humiliation of human honor and dignity;
• incitement to hatred or hostile feelings towards individuals or their group;
• organization of extremist communities;
• organization, coordination and support of the activities of such communities.

The main problem with working with children and adolescents is that many feel their impunity. However, in cases specified by law, even minors are held accountable for extremism. Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation implies the conviction of persons under 18 years of age for posting videos on the global network, as well as any other documentation of a propaganda nature with scenes of violence or calls for it. Articles 243-244 imply the responsibility of minors for the destruction of historical and cultural monuments, as well as abuse of burial places and bodies of the deceased. Punishment may result in a large fine, correctional labor, or imprisonment.

Counteraction and self-defense

Of course, the theoretical basis is important. Nevertheless, it is important to convey to youth how extremist activity in Russia is manifested in practice. Examples of such situations, as well as actions to prevent and self-defense are given in the table:

Such practical examples or even reconstruction of situations are simply necessary. Prevention of extremism in the school should be aimed not only at preventing the formation of such sentiments among young people. It is also important to convey to young people information that will help them save their lives in an extreme situation.

Preventive Approaches

Extremism, as a threat to national security, forces us to carry out preventive work not only with the adult population, but also with children and youth. This work can be carried out in accordance with such approaches:

• Dissemination of information about the dangers of extremism and organizations professing it. This approach is used most often. It involves programs to educate young people through civil actions or the distribution of printing materials. Given that this approach is not the most effective, it can only be considered as an additional one.
• Affective training is aimed at eliminating problems with the expression of feelings and emotions. This is important both in terms of the formation of life experience and the release of negative and positive energy. Receiving emotional discharge, the teenager becomes less aggressive, which reduces the risk of the formation of radical inclinations.
• The influence of social factors can not only prevent the emergence of extremist ideas in a teenager, but also contribute to this. In this regard, one of the approaches is based on the conduct of trainings, during which resistance to social pressure training is conducted.
• Life skills development is an approach based on behavioral modification techniques. The main teenage problem is the desire for self-affirmation and an adult lifestyle. Thus, it becomes necessary to conduct courses and trainings for young people that will enable them to form the necessary life beliefs and skills that will protect themselves from the influence of negative trends developing in society.
• Involvement of adolescents in activities alternative to extremist. This approach was developed by A. Kromin. He suggests organizing trips with overcoming obstacles, directing the activity of adolescents to sports or creative activities, creating groups to uphold an active civic position.

Conclusion

The program for the prevention of extremism should primarily affect children, adolescents and youth. It is this layer of society that is most susceptible to the influence of such radical ideas, which is associated with the fragile psyche and the lack of a solid life position. Of course, work in schools and other educational institutions is important, but do not forget about the role of the family in this process. In this regard, educators and law enforcement officials should conduct regular preventive interviews with parents.