ABHA: Saudi families are keeping a close eye on their sons, worried that they might be dragged into terrorism after the latest attacks.

Many families were surprised to learn that their sons were recruited for terror operations via social media, saying that they were appalled by the way their sons were lured into terrorism to attack their own people, religion and homeland.

They told Arab News that families need to be aware of symptoms indicating that their sons are heading toward terror, or showing signs of extreme thought.

Mohammed Al-Sariei, a security researcher, said that the family has the responsibility of raising children on the real foundations of Islam. “Each parent needs to follow up on his/her children and urge them to keep away from bad company,” he added.

He explained that mothers and fathers should maintain a close relationship with their children and base their relationship on trust.

He also called upon families to cooperate with all government bodies and report to the security forces when they see any signs of extremism in their children, feel that they are expressing destructive thoughts, or if their children have friends who show extremist thoughts or ideology.

He added that families should focus on instilling good values and Islamic commitments among their children from their earliest years.

He added that there is a need for authorities to contain unemployment, housing and poverty problems for citizens as well as taking care of health issues and providing people with convenient health care.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening relations between residents and security officials, and civil institutions, pointing out that domestic problems and inadequate schooling can contribute to sowing the seeds of ideological extremism, sectarianism and racism.

Dr. Farhan Bin Salem Al-Enizi, a member of Prince Mohammed bin Naif Center for Counseling, said that people who have ideological issues can show behavioral signs such as following some Internet websites and trying to imitate other people’s way of dressing and manner of speech.

He added that the family needs to report to security authorities if members don’t respond to families’ interventions and continue to act in suspicious ways.

He explained that security authorities have specialized Shariah, social and psychological committees to help rehabilitate people and not leave them neglected, which could lead to irreversible damage.

Family and society medicine consultant Dr. Khaled Jilban stressed the need to focus on children’s psychological and social growth, and provide society members with guidance and a good environment.

He added that the family needs to fix relationships among members to be able to function in a balanced way.