Audio Transcript

Mollie Halpern: The FBI is reaching out to teenagers—and those who care for them—to provide awareness about the risks associated with violent extremists.

The FBI’s Don’t Be a Puppet interactive website teaches teens how to recognize extremists and the tactics they use to radicalize people.

Paul Bresson: What we’re seeing is an evolving threat from individuals and groups from home and abroad with extremist ideologies who use hateful rhetoric and propaganda to lure and recruit teens into carrying out acts of violence.

Halpern: That was Unit Chief Paul Bresson, who says parents and teachers can serve as the first line of defense against violent extremism. To help do that, Bresson encourages them to introduce teens to the website.

Bresson: We are available to visit schools, religious organizations, and community groups who work with teens to lead a discussion on the current threat, to answer any questions, and to provide tips on how to avoid falling victim.

Halpern: The Don’t be a Puppet website can be found at cve.fbi.gov. With FBI, This Week, I’m Mollie Halpern of the Bureau.