Online Radicalization in Education

Digital spaces have become the primary site of socialization for today's generation, but also a risky environment. The growing trend of online radicalization and the spread of extremist narratives among young people represents a new, complex challenge for Czech education as well.

In this panel discussion, we will focus on the mechanisms by which online platforms shape young people's attitudes, with particular emphasis on the safety of queer youth. Experts from the field will break down specific case studies, the limitations of current digital literacy, and present functional prevention and intervention strategies that educators and parents can apply in daily life.

Panelists Nela Andresová – analyst at the Czech Council for Children and Youth, where she conducts research focused on young people, particularly in the areas of social attitudes and values, lifestyle, and leisure time. She is also a PhD candidate in sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, where she focuses on gender, sexual minorities, and family topics.

Johanna Nejedlová – founder and executive director of Konsent, an organization that promotes education about equality, respect, and consent in sexual relationships. An activist for women's rights, she has long been involved in sexual violence prevention and combating victim-blaming. Under her leadership, Konsent focuses on educational workshops, awareness campaigns, and advocating for systemic changes in education and legislation. Finalist of Women of Europe 2019, Forbes 30 under 30.

Zuzana Wildová – head of the Participation Centre at the Czech Council for Children and Youth (ČRDM) and coordinator of the Czech National Working Group for the EU Dialogue with Youth. She coordinates national and international projects focused on the participation of children and young people, working with public administration, European institutions, and civil society organizations. She teaches at the Faculty of Education, Charles University, where she covers Czech language didactics, media education, and cognitive linguistics. She specializes in media literacy and participatory methods in education.

Moderator Vítězslav Slíva – ministry advisor at the Strategy Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, focused on strategic concepts of educational policy. He collaborated on the development of the Educational Policy Strategy 2030+ and research on homophobia and transphobia in Czech schools. He coordinates cross-cutting agendas and support for safe and inclusive school environments. He has long been active in the field of minority equality and inclusive education.

Admission – free

Accessibility – suitable for children and teenagers, accessible

Vibe check – quiet event (no loud music, shouting, etc.), seating available, indoor space

Trigger warnings – radicalization, violence, toxic masculinity

Organized by – Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic is the central authority of state administration that oversees education, science, research, sports, and youth care in the Czech Republic. This office determines the strategic direction of Czech education from nurseries to universities, approves curricula, distributes funding throughout the education system, and supports leisure and sports activities for children. In simple terms, it is the institution that sets the rules for what, how, and in what environment the younger generation in the Czech Republic learns.