The FBI says violent extremists are targeting teens with propaganda—and they’re using social media and other websites to do it.
So earlier this year, the FBI launched its Don’t Be a Puppet: Pull Back the Curtain on Violent Extremism campaign, which features an interactive website designed to educate teenagers about terrorism.
The website uses activities, quizzes, videos and other materials to teach teens “how to recognize violent extremist messaging and become more resistant to self-radicalization and possible recruitment,” according to the FBI.
“Through its Don’t Be a Puppet theme, the program encourages teens to think for themselves and display a healthy skepticism if they come across anyone who appears to be advocating extremist violence,” the FBI said.
Teens will earn a certificate from the FBI for completing all of the sections on the website.
Wednesday @ 11: How a local woman who survived the Boston Marathon bombing is working to fight violent extremism through the FBI's program.
The Don’t Be a Puppet initiative was developed through the combined efforts of the FBI Office of Public Affairs and the Countering Violent Extremism Program in the Bureau’s Office of Partner Engagement.
Not everyone is fan of the program.
The Wall Street Journal reported in August that the American Federation of Teachers union, the American Association of School Administrators and American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee wrote a letter to FBI director James Comey saying they were “deeply troubled” by the Don’t Be A Puppet campaign and claimed it would increase distrust of Muslim and Middle Eastern students.
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