Role of education in prevention of radicalization into violence

This paper will provide insight in how educational efforts can be specifically tailored to address a growing problem of youth radicalization into violence. It is clear that sheer education is not enough to „protect“ an individual from being indoctrinated and recruited into radicalized groups of different kind. It is both the content and the style of education, as well as the perception of curricular goals by policy makers, that contribute to shaping young people`s minds to be independent and open, thus making them less susceptible to radicalization. It is of great importance to recognize ever growing relevance of competences educators are aiming at developing in youth, one of them being advancement of critical and complex thinking, making it a priority over teaching facts and information. In practice it is often the case that acquiring life skills is considered to be secondary to this, when, in fact, in order to tackle constant and challenging changes of young people`s reality today educational efforts should focus more on developing interpersonal and communication skills and decision making competences. Inclusive approach in schools along with promotion of democratic attitudes and experiential learning about The Other is a promising ground for building minds open to discuss and question any ideology, including those potentially violent. Nourishing identity and sense of belonging primarily to humankind, and providing opportunities for positive community-based involvement can protect adolescents faced with normal developmental tasks against recruitment into groups. Key words: adolescents, radicalization into violence, prevention