Eurasia Press & News
Since Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, and them Israel responded by waging war in Gaza, the number of terror attacks in the West has increased, according to the Global Terrorism Index compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Meanwhile, videos of atrocities have continued to proliferate online. Europol has also noted the use of AI to stylise content into game-like formats or to translate and voice videos in multiple languages, increasing their reach and emotional impact.
Bosnia and Herzegovina did not register a terrorist attack in over a decade before the murder in Bosanska Krupa in October 2024, and it has not registered one since.
But young people remain vulnerable to influence during adolescence, a time of deep psychological change.
“Young people searching for identity and purpose can be drawn to messages that promise clarity and belonging,” warns Bosnian psychologist Majda Halilovic. “Radical ideologies often offer simplistic answers and a sense of power, especially to those who feel isolated, anxious or rejected.”
The convergence of adolescent identity struggles and digital manipulation present a complex challenge when combined with the problems of growing up in divided and sometimes traumatised societies in the Balkans. But with coordinated action, mental health support and smart regulation, experts say there is a path to a safer digital space.
“Education, open communication, clear rules, and the use of protective technologies can significantly enhance the ability of schools and parents to identify and respond to suspicious behaviour,” Juskovic suggests.
The key role should be played by parents, who can improve their ability to protect their children by participating in educational programmes covering topics such as recognising online dangers, cyberbullying and the proper use of social media. Communication with children is crucial, while both the parents and schools must be familiar with the legal framework for reporting any suspicious online activities, Juskovic says.
“Establishing clear rules around internet use, including time spent online and the types of content that are appropriate, is essential. In addition to building trust, parents should also exercise a certain level of supervision over what their children access online and who they communicate with,” he argues.
This may not be easy as a delicate balance must be struck: “Too much censorship undermines freedom of expression, while too little allows hate to flourish.”
AI tools can also detect and remove radical content online – but this also raises the issue of censorship and where to draw the line so that freedom of speech is not eroded. Projects like In2Prev, funded by the European Commission, offer more comprehensive tools. Its FEVR-SES screening tool helps identify at-risk youth, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, and refers them to support services before they are drawn into extremist circles.
A year after the attack in Bosanska Krupa, what the experts all agree is that early prevention is essential to prevent radicalisation. In the words of Bosnian psychologist Halilovic: “Telling teenagers to get off the internet is naive. Instead, we need to help them navigate online spaces safely, recognise manipulation, and think critically.”
