By Khelef Nassor
In today’s rapidly evolving world, young people face a growing number of threats ranging from drug abuse and cyberbullying to violent extremism and gang recruitment. These challenges are not limited to urban centers or conflict zones; even peaceful communities like those in Unguja and Pemba (Zanzibar) are increasingly vulnerable. Amid all efforts to protect youth, one powerful institution stands out: the family. Effective parenting and a stable home environment play an irreplaceable role in preventing young people from joining harmful and dangerous groups.
Globally, over 1.2 billion adolescents are navigating the complex transition from childhood to adulthood. In Africa, where nearly 60% of the population is under 25, this stage comes with high stakes. A report on Opening Doors: Access to early childhood services for families impacted by poverty, by UNICEF highlights that youth disconnected from family support structures are more likely to seek validation and belonging elsewhere often in unsafe and harmful spaces. This growing disconnect makes families the first line of defense against radicalization and risky behavior.
Extensive research reinforces the importance of parenting in shaping young people’s values, choices, and resilience. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2018) found that adolescents raised in supportive and emotionally connected families were significantly less susceptible to extremist ideologies. Open communication, consistent discipline, and parental warmth help foster critical thinking and emotional security traits that make youth less likely to be swayed by harmful influences.
In contrast, authoritarian or neglectful parenting styles can push young people away, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation. A 2018 study on; The Contested Relationship Between Youth and Violent Extremism” conducted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue – ISD, found that many young people recruited into violent extremist groups cited family dysfunction, emotional neglect, and the absence of parental guidance as key factors in their radicalization.
In Tanzania and Zanzibar in particular, countering violent extremism - CVE strategies have increasingly embraced family-centered approaches. The East African Regional Strategy for Preventing Violent Extremism (2018) recognizes families as essential agents in peacebuilding, advocating for initiatives that empower parents and caregivers to build strong, protective relationships with their children.
Parental monitoring remains one of the most effective tools in preventing risky behavior. A 2021 report by Save the Children shows that youth who experienced high parental engagement were 42% less likely to be involved in criminal behavior or violent groups. Monitoring doesn’t mean control; rather, it means being aware of a child’s friends, online activity, whereabouts, and emotional state.
While mothers often carry the burden of caregiving, research highlights the equally critical role of fathers and male caregivers. A study conducted in Kenya by the Global Center on Cooperative Security found that young men lacking positive male role models especially fathers, were significantly more vulnerable to radicalization. Families that foster involvement of both parents offer greater protection and guidance to their children.
Values transmission is another central function of parenting. Homes are the first schools where children learn about empathy, respect, justice, and peaceful coexistence. Families that uphold and model these values give youth an internal compass that guards against ideologies of hate, violence, and exclusion.
Emotional bonding within families strengthens a child’s resilience. Psychologist Erik Erikson emphasized the importance of emotional connection during the identity-seeking phase of adolescence. Youth who feel valued at home are less likely to seek belonging in extremist groups or criminal networks that promise identity and purpose.
Families can also serve as early warning systems. With the right training, parents can identify behavioral red flags like sudden withdrawal, secrecy, or changes in ideology and intervene early. In Uganda and Somalia, family-based CVE programs have demonstrated success in preventing radicalization by strengthening parental awareness and response capacity.
Faith and cultural teachings within the home further support youth resilience. In Zanzibar, where religion and culture are deeply intertwined, families play a critical role in guiding young people toward peaceful and respectful interpretations of religious teachings protecting them from online misinformation or radical narratives.
However, many families face challenges that hinder effective parenting. In Pemba and other parts of coastal Tanzania, poverty, limited education, trauma, and unemployment affect parental capacity. That’s why it’s essential to integrate economic empowerment and psychosocial support into youth prevention strategies. Strengthening families holistically leads to stronger youth outcomes.
In today's digital age, another crucial skill parents must adopt is digital literacy. With youth spending more time online, the internet has become a space where radicalization, misinformation, and criminal recruitment happen unnoticed. A 2022 report on “A safer digital environment for children” by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC emphasized that digitally informed parents are more effective in shielding their children from online threats.
Community-based initiatives also have a major role to play in supporting families. Religious institutions, civil society, and grassroots organizations can reinforce parenting by offering counseling, training, and platforms for intergenerational dialogue. These collaborations can make parenting more informed, supported, and impactful.
One exemplary initiative addressing these needs is the Swahili Coast Project, implemented by Norwegian Church Aid Tanzania - NCA with funding from the Royal Norwegian Embassy. This project, which operates along the Tanzanian coast including Pemba promotes interfaith approaches to empower women and youth and strengthen peaceful coexistence. Through parenting forums, youth leadership training, and peace clubs such as the Bodaboda Peace Club in Pemba, the project addresses early signs of violent extremism by building stronger families and communities.
In the Zanzibari context, the Swahili Coast Project acknowledges the unique challenges and cultural dynamics of island communities. It works closely with religious leaders, Shehas, and youth influencers to foster a culture of dialogue and empathy within families. In Pemba, where economic hardship and social isolation can push youth toward risky networks, the project equips both parents and young people with tools for resilience emphasizing that peace starts at home.
Ultimately, no policy, institution, or intervention can match the influence of a supportive family. In safeguarding youth from risky and violent paths, the home remains the first and most enduring institution. By investing in parenting, family support, and community collaboration as exemplified by the Swahili Coast Project, we can build a generation of resilient, empowered, and peaceful youth across Tanzania, Zanzibar and beyond.
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