From August 5 to 7, 2024, a three-day workshop titled “Youth Safety: How to Identify and Respond to Destructive Groups” was successfully held in the business hall of Hotel Yugoslavia. The workshop included participants from various institutions, including schools, youth offices, local government units, and other organizations working with children and young people. The participants showed great interest in the topics, actively participated in discussions, and asked questions.
The workshop began with an introduction to the topic of destructive groups, including their definition and distinction from other organizations. Special attention was given to the types of destructive groups, such as cults, terrorist, and criminal organizations, and their characteristics, including secrecy, member manipulation, and exclusion of critical thinking. The discussion also covered target groups, particularly young people who are susceptible to the influence of these groups due to various psychological and social factors.
The second day was dedicated to the phenomenon of terrorism, the types of terrorist organizations, and the reasons why young people are often targeted by these organizations. Participants were presented with various recruitment and radicalization methods, including the use of the internet and social media. The discussion focused on recognizing signs of radicalization and prevention, including the role of education, media literacy, and community support.
On the third day, the lecture topic was dedicated to cults and the differences between destructive cults and religious groups. The psychological and social consequences of membership in cults were discussed, as well as the manipulation strategies used by cults. The discussion also covered the prevention and protection from destructive cults, including the role of family, friends, education, and organizations that assist former members.
