Teachers and academics in Belgium are increasingly concerned about students' radical behaviour on religious issues.

„A revival of religion, a grassroots re-Islamisation is underway. This is even more evident among young people, as they are in contact with education, and schools are increasingly becoming sites of conflict,” political scientist and historian Joël Kotek told La Dernière Heure in a recent interview. He noted that today, young people are more religious than their grandparents, a trend also observed in the Arab world. „This may be linked to a sense of disillusionment, as states like Egypt, Morocco, and Israel struggle to build themselves,” he added.

Radouane Attiya, a professor of religion and Islamic studies, explained that „many parents feel helpless in the face of their children’s radicalisation,” according to the French Bladi news site.

„We need to look at friendships, social networks, and radical imams. Young people seek authority, but this can contribute to a sense of division in society and the return of deep religiosity,” the professor warned.

A history teacher remarked that religion has become a lifeline for those who have lost their points of reference, are worried about the future, or fear „ending up in hell.” In her view, young people are easy to reach as an audience, and schools provide a fertile ground for exerting influence.

„Islamist ideology targets schools because that is where minds are shaped,” cautioned Laurence D’Hondt, co-author of a forthcoming book entitled Allah Has No Place in the Classroom.

Since the murder of French history and geography teacher Samuel Paty – who showed cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed during a lesson – teaching has become increasingly dangerous. „Even if we know our students well, there’s a sense of uncertainty. We don’t know if they would tell their brother, uncle, or cousin if they hear something they don’t like,” the teacher explained.

In Belgium, many other teachers share these concerns. „What we hear can be violent at times. During the terrorist attacks, some students applauded in class, and I found the name of the Tunisian man responsible for the shooting of two Swedes written on the board,” one teacher said, adding that some students also support the way the Taliban treat women.

In one case, a father called a teacher racist after she commented on his daughter wearing an abaya, which is against school rules. „I find myself having to explain how we live in Belgium, which really shouldn’t be my job,” she lamented.