The radicalisation of children and young people is increasingly shifting online – this is confirmed by the new extremism report from the Czech Ministry of the Interior. Traditional extremist groups also remain active, but are losing influence over the younger generation.
The trend is clear: the online radicalisation of minors, including children, is continuing to advance in the Czech Republic. This is shown by the latest extremism report from the Ministry of the Interior for the first half of 2025, published mid-week. While traditional extremist and xenophobic-populist groups remain active, they are increasingly failing to connect with younger target groups. These are now often radicalising on their own – via the internet.
According to the report on the state of extremism and prejudice-motivated hate crime, it is above all developments in the digital space that are increasingly challenging the security authorities. Particularly striking: a growing number of cases in which young people are becoming radicalised online – often without any recognisable connection to established extremist networks. These young radicals display a disturbing fascination with violence and direct their hatred deliberately at specific population groups.
“The security services are increasingly registering such cases – and it is to be expected that they will continue to occupy us in future,” explains Interior Minister Vít Rakušan. He calls for a coordinated and systematic response from the state: “We must face this acute challenge resolutely and effectively.” The government has already taken initial steps – for example, with the “Safe Childhood” programme (Program Bezpečné dětství), adopted in June this year, which is dedicated to protecting young people from violence.
At the same time, the traditional scene also remains active. Right-wing extremist, nationalist and xenophobic groups are still present – but their influence appears limited. They mainly mobilise long-standing supporters and fail to reach younger generations. One reason is their lack of ability to use modern communication channels and the language style of today’s youth.
Both the increasing online radicalisation and the ongoing activity of traditional extremist actors are, according to the Ministry of the Interior, regarded as serious threats to public safety. They undermine trust in state institutions, promote social division, and create space for foreign actors who could deliberately exploit such tendencies to destabilise the country.
