The phenomenon of radicalization among adolescents has become a global issue given the increasing number of youth becoming involved in extremist groups and acts. Adolescent radicalization is a complex phenomenon with multiple risk factors, and it has been associated with individual, micro and macro-environmental factors. Preventing the harmful effects of radicalization is a challenge for security and judicial institutions, as well as for welfare agencies, community groups, teachers, family members, partners, friends and associates. Clinicians who deal with young people as part of programmes focusing on the prevention of radicalization face challenges in delivering effective interventions. Studies from various disciplines indicate that adolescents who have radicalized display a variety of risk factors and vulnerabilities that differ across individuals. This raises a number of questions about the process of radicalization, and the implementation of public policies to stem this phenomenon and how adolescent psychiatry and psychology, as well as welfare agencies can help to reintegrate young people who have radicalized.

The purpose of this Research Topic aims to summarize the current knowledge on adolescent radicalization by adopting a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights across the fields of epidemiology, sociology, criminology, political science, terrorism studies, psychology and pediatric psychiatry. This Research Topic has both academic relevance to researchers already studying radicalization and violent extremism, but also has policy and practical implications for professionals who work in prevention programmes.

We welcome submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:

- epidemiological studies about the youth radicalization phenomenon,

- theoretical advances in understanding radicalization amongst adolescents

- case studies of youth and adolescent radicalization across different forms of extremism and in various countries.

- risk factors associated with radicalization amongst adolescents.

- prevention strategies targeting adolescents at risk of radicalization.

- reintegration programs for youth who have committed extremist acts and been members of violent extremist groups.

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Frontiers in Psychiatry

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