Improving knowledge among young people

Young people are an important target group in efforts to reinforce psychological defence in Sweden. The work is focused on two areas, with schools being one priority arena and civil society another.

Schools

Schools are the only institution in society that has a clear remit to foster democrats and good citizens. Through schools, there is an opportunity to reach all children and youths on equal terms. For this reason, schools, pupils and staff are an important target group in efforts to build resilience and promote willingness to defend.

The Agency works to increase knowledge about psychological defence in schools. Together with the Swedish National Agency for Education, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the Swedish Defence Conscription and Assessment Agency and the Swedish Agency for the Media, the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency is part of the Intra-agency collaboration within total defence in preschools and schools. We also collaborate through networking meetings, trade fairs and politicians’ weeks.

Collaboration with civil society actors working with the young

The Agency shall involve, consult and engage civil society actors in order to strengthen Sweden’s psychological defence among the young. Following an inventory of Swedish civil society, the Agency has initiated collaboration with a number of actors that have established networks, substantial credibility and a strong image both locally and nationally.

Collaboration is ongoing to reach out to young people and also individuals who work with them, such as youth leaders and instructors. We also collaborate with organisations such as the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society and the Swedish Centre for Preventing Violent Extremism.