Interventions

Digital resilience and media literacy form the basis for preventing online radicalisation. This involves not only skills such as critical thinking but also a recognition of the dynamics of online peer pressure, algorithms and the possible influence of disinformation. This requires a whole-of-society approach, with the involvement of not only municipalities, but also parents, caregivers, teachers and other local professionals who can engage in dialogue on setting norms for online behaviour.

Overview of interventions

The building block model of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (in Dutch) consists of six different domains (‘building blocks’) that are key to the prevention of radicalisation. Each domain includes a number of protective factors, and each protective factor comprises a number of model interventions. These interventions include a description of what they entail and evidence demonstrating their effectiveness. Below is an overview of several interventions focused on digital resilience and media literacy. In addition to these, other offline interventions that involve protective factors can also help combat online radicalisation.

Online youth services

Youth workers are approachable online via social media and organise activities that put them in contact with young people. They can support them and make them aware of the risks associated with the online world.

General online youth services
Epic Youth

Media literacy and digital resilience

Among other things, media literacy is about recognising misinformation and disinformation online, developing awareness of online filter bubbles, and understanding the effect of exposure to/consumption of extremist content or propaganda.

Under Pressure (Diversion)
TerInfo (various teaching materials, dealing with subjects like memes and ‘getting your facts straight’)

Digital resilience is about being able to withstand group dynamics and deal with the psychological pressure exerted by recruiters. This can be achieved by enlisting individuals’ own critical thinking skills and raising awareness among parents and first-line workers.

Bounce training sessions (Arktos) (for various target groups; young people, educators and local professionals)
Risk Factory

Parents/caregivers and the online world

Support for professionals who work with parents to help to foster media literacy among children, and guidelines for the parents/caregivers themselves.

Media literacy toolbox (NJI)
Mediamatties
Parenting classes on polarisation, radicalisation and resilience (social media is part of the programme)

Chat function of the National Support Centre for Extremism (LSE)

The LSE chat function is intended for anyone who has questions about someone in their social circle, for professionals who encounter potential or actual radicalisation in the course of their work and for individuals concerned about their own thoughts and feelings.

Questions

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email pls@minjenv.nl.