A relevant draft law has been submitted to the State Duma (Russia’s lower chamber of parliament).  The authors of the proposal highlight the growing spread of radicalism and violence among students.

The State Council of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic has submitted a draft law to the State Duma proposing the implementation of socio-psychological testing for schoolchildren to prevent their involvement in extremist and terrorist activities.

Kommersant reports that the information was published on the legislative initiative support system website.

The explanatory note reportedly highlights the rise in attacks by students on citizens and educational institutions, as well as instances of minors setting fire to military enlistment offices and railway infrastructure.  These incidents suggest the spread of radical and violent ideologies and targeted involvement of children in extremist and terrorist activities.

The authors of the initiative argue that children lack a fully developed value system and have an unstable psyche, making them vulnerable to destructive influences.  This reportedly could lead to the involvement of teenagers in activities harmful to society.

According to Tatarstan’s State Council, the results of such testing would allow for improved preventive measures aimed at preventing illegal activities among students. Social and psychological assistance for minors and their parents would also be provided.

The authors of the proposal believe that parents often refuse to allow testing to detect illegal drug use, so testing to prevent extremist activities among schoolchildren should be mandatory.