Parents have another online safety concern to add to the list: Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE), a term federal authorities are increasingly using to describe online networks that glorify violence, self-harm and destruction. Unlike traditional extremist movements, these groups can operate through decentralized online communities, gaming platforms and social media, making them particularly difficult for parents to spot.
The FBI describes NVE as a movement in which individuals are motivated by chaos and the destruction of society, with some networks glorifying mass killers, violence and self-harm. Recruitment and grooming can begin innocently, sometimes with “a post, a video, or a message online,” before escalating into increasingly harmful demands.
The FBI says vulnerable young people can be manipulated by individuals who initially present themselves as friends or romantic interests. Once trust has been established, the interaction can become coercive, with victims pressured toward self-harm, violence or other dangerous behaviour.
The problem isn’t limited to a particular website or app. Authorities say these networks have moved across social media, gaming and other online spaces, where young people may encounter extremist content without actively searching for it.
The South Carolina FBI investigation provides a striking statistic: 75% of the subjects in the agency’s investigations there are juveniles, while victims are often under 17. That makes conversations about online safety and radicalization particularly important for families with tweens and teenagers.
How Parents Can Talk About Radicalization
Parents don’t need to begin the conversation with frightening descriptions of extremist groups. Instead, start by talking generally about online friendships, manipulation, peer pressure and what children should do when someone online asks them to keep secrets.
The FBI recommends that parents talk openly with children about the possibility of online exploitation and make it clear that they can say no to requests for sexual images or other harmful activities—even when the request comes from someone they believe they trust.
Parents should also avoid making the conversation solely about punishment or taking away devices. If children believe they’ll immediately lose their phone or face anger for admitting they’ve encountered something disturbing, they may be less likely to ask for help.
Instead, establish a simple family message: you can always come to me, even if you’ve made a mistake or broken a rule. That open-door approach can make it easier for children to disclose uncomfortable conversations before manipulation escalates.
Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
There is no single behaviour that proves a child is being radicalized or exploited. However, parents should pay attention to significant changes that appear suddenly, particularly when several warning signs occur together.
These can include becoming unusually withdrawn, moody or irritable; changes in sleeping or eating habits; suddenly hiding parts of the body; unexplained cuts or injuries; or talking frequently about death or suicide. The FBI also lists unexplained gifts, unexpected communications from strangers and evidence that personal information has been posted online as potential warning signs.
Parents should also pay attention when a child suddenly becomes secretive about online friendships or appears frightened by messages or calls. Changes don’t automatically mean radicalization, but they can signal that a child needs a supportive conversation.
If a child appears to be in immediate danger or is threatening suicide or serious violence, parents should seek emergency help. For suspected online criminal exploitation, preserve messages and other evidence and report the situation to the appropriate authorities.
The goal isn’t to make children afraid of the internet. It’s to help them recognize manipulation, understand that online strangers aren’t always who they claim to be and know that asking a trusted adult for help is always an option.
