Possibility of Developing Resilience to Extremism in the Digital Environment Through Religious Education

Abstract

This research establishes a connection between online extremism, building digital resilience in the school environment, and Islamic religious education. The paradigm shift in viewing the relationship between religion and extremism, alongside an increasing focus on building resilience, opens up significant space for analysing the role of religious education in primary and secondary schools. By analysing interviews with Islamic religious education teachers, the study concludes their current practices and perceptions of their role in fostering digital resilience among students. The research explores their understanding of digital competencies and perceptions of the importance of digitalising teaching content. Twelve teachers from seven mufti districts – Banja Luka, Bihać, Mostar, Sarajevo, Travnik, Tuzla, and Zenica – participated in the study, with all respondents interviewed through semi-structured online interviews. The research reveals that religious education teachers recognise their role in building digital resilience against school extremism and the need to modernise and digitalise teaching practices.