Health directorate issues guidance on extreme online sects after police warning

Norway’s Directorate of Health has issued information to health personnel on how to detect and assist children and young people involved in extreme online communities, following warnings from police and Kripos about the phenomenon known as “The Com,” Dagbladet reports.

“We cannot sit and watch without getting involved. These are our children,” said Health Director Cathrine M. Lofthus. She said questions about children’s digital lives should be a natural part of assessments, just like questions about home life, school and friends.

Kripos held a professional day on Tuesday for health personnel, schools and child welfare workers, where it emerged that 100 suicides globally may be linked to the internet sect, according to the report.

The extreme network, known as “The Community” or “The Com,” consists of subgroups such as “764” and spreads violent, abusive and manipulative content. Vulnerable children and young people are recruited and pressured into committing extreme acts, including self-harm, torture, sexual abuse and murder, often livestreamed in chat groups.

The Ministry of Health and Care asked the directorate to inform health professionals. Under the new initiative, GPs, emergency services and child and adolescent psychiatry are to identify at-risk children before they are drawn into these environments.

“By sending out quality-assured information about extreme online communities and other harmful internet environments, we will increase awareness and competence among those working with children and young people in health services,” said Health and Care Minister Jan Christian Vestre. He urged all personnel to familiarise themselves with the material.

Health personnel are advised to look for signs such as new acquaintances, changes in screen time and reluctance to discuss online activities. Initial contact often occurs via platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Discord and Roblox.