On September 11–12, 2024, a two-day workshop titled Youth Safety – How to Identify and Respond to Destructive Groups was held at the Secondary School of Economics in Loznica. The workshop was conducted as part of the SEED project – The Influence of Sects on High School Students’ Well-being: A Qualitative Study, aimed at raising students’ awareness about the dangers posed by destructive groups, particularly sects, and how to protect themselves from their influence.
The workshop was attended by third- and fourth-year students, with active participation from teachers and school staff. The lectures and interactive sessions provided participants with a deeper understanding of the methods used by destructive groups, how to identify manipulation, and how to adequately respond to risky situations.
Key topics covered in the workshop included:
- Definition and characteristics of destructive groups, with a focus on sects.
- Manipulation and recruitment methods used by these groups.
- Ways to identify and protect oneself from the influence of destructive groups.
- Strengthening youth resilience through community support and preventive measures.
Through discussions and analysis of real-life scenarios, students received practical advice on how to confront such threats, with a particular focus on developing self-awareness and critical thinking.
The workshop concluded successfully, with a high level of student engagement and an agreement to continue cooperation with the school in the field of youth safety education.
