What happened
A growing trend of teenagers becoming radicalized and involved in terrorism has been observed in the United States. In 2025, eight of the 11 alleged actors involved in seven ISIS-inspired attacks or disrupted plots were teenagers, with four being 17 or younger. This pattern suggests that the age at which individuals become radicalized is decreasing.
Several cases have been reported where teenagers were influenced by extremist ideology through family members, friends, online networks, or extremist contacts. For example, 17-year-old Laith Adil Shehzad was indicted under Texas's terrorism statute for preparing a mass-casualty attack, and 17-year-old Abdullah Haji Zada was arrested for planning an ISIS-inspired attack with his brother-in-law.
The National Counterterrorism Center has warned that violent extremists use social media, encrypted messaging, and online gaming platforms to recruit and spread terrorist messaging. Teenagers can become radicalized through online interactions, and their relationships with extremists can be facilitated by technology.
The problem of radicalization among teenagers is not limited to the United States. Europe has seen a similar trend, with 42 minors arrested in 2024 for involvement in Islamic State attacks or propaganda activity. Researchers have identified the overlap between criminal networks and extremist ideology as a key factor in the radicalization of young people.
Experts emphasize the importance of early intervention and prevention in addressing the issue of radicalization among teenagers. Schools, families, community organizations, and local authorities can play a crucial role in recognizing warning signs and providing support to young people who may be at risk of radicalization.
