Akram, 24, is charged with opening fire at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in December, killing 15 people in what police have described as one of the country’s worst mass shootings and an attack inspired by Islamic State.

The accused had sought a 40-year suppression order to block publication of the names, images and identifying details of his mother, brother and sister, arguing that publicity could endanger their safety.

Several Australian media organizations opposed the application, saying it would unduly restrict reporting in a case of significant public interest.Judge Hugh Donnelly ruled against the request, stating that suppression orders should be granted only in exceptional circumstances and that transparency in judicial proceedings was fundamental.

He noted the case had generated “unprecedented public interest, anger, outrage and grief.”The court heard that personal details of Akram’s family had already circulated widely online, while his mother had spoken to local media shortly after the attack.

Donnelly added that any order limited to Australian jurisdiction would be ineffective given the reach of social media and international publications.Akram appeared via video link from a maximum-security prison and did not contest the ruling further.

His lawyer, Richard Wilson, told the court there were no plans to appeal the decision.The December attack shocked Australia, a country with strict gun control laws, and has prompted renewed debate over firearm regulation and rising antisemitism.

The government has since launched a national inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion, with findings expected later this year, alongside measures to strengthen hate speech legislation.

Concerns over the influence of extremist ideologies on young people have grown in recent years, with researchers and practitioners pointing to a mix of social, psychological and digital factors that shape vulnerability.

Interviews with counsellors, educators and former at-risk individuals suggest that exposure often begins in subtle ways, long before any overt signs of radicalisation emerge.A youth counsellor working with vulnerable adolescents in northern India, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject, said that feelings of isolation frequently act as an entry point.

“Most of the young people I meet are not looking for conflict,” the counsellor said. “They are looking for identity, purpose and recognition. Extremist narratives often package these in a very appealing way.”According to the counsellor, online platforms play a significant role in this early stage.

Content is often framed in simplified, emotionally charged language that resonates with personal grievances. “It doesn’t present itself as extremism at first,” the counsellor said. “It presents itself as truth, justice, or even empowerment.”

Educators and digital literacy experts say algorithm-driven platforms can amplify exposure by repeatedly surfacing similar content. A media studies researcher at a public university in Delhi noted that recommendation systems tend to reinforce engagement patterns.

“If a young person interacts with polarising or identity-driven content, the system feeds them more of it,” the researcher said. “Over time, this can create an echo chamber effect.”The researcher emphasised that this process is not limited to any one ideology or region. “The mechanism is structural rather than ideological,” they said.

“Different groups may use different narratives, but the underlying method of influence is remarkably similar.”Students interviewed for this article described encountering such content during routine social media use. One university student said that initially neutral discussions gradually shifted toward more rigid viewpoints. “At first it felt like learning something new,” the student said. “But over time, it became more about ‘us versus them’.”

Former participants in intervention programmes described how emotional factors often intersect with exposure to extremist messaging. A 22-year-old participant in a community outreach initiative said that during a period of personal uncertainty, online communities provided a sense of belonging.

“It felt like people understood me,” he said. “They had clear answers when everything else felt confusing.”He added that the shift toward more extreme viewpoints was gradual. “You don’t realise when your thinking starts changing,” he said. “It happens step by step.”Intervention specialists say that early engagement is critical.

A programme coordinator working with youth groups said that family members, teachers and peers often notice behavioural changes before individuals recognise them themselves. These may include withdrawal from social circles, increased rigidity in opinions, or heightened emotional responses to specific issues.

“The challenge is not to confront aggressively, but to create space for dialogue,” the coordinator said. “Young people respond better when they feel heard rather than judged.”

Experts consistently emphasise the importance of education and open communication in building resilience against extremist influence. Digital literacy programmes, which teach young people to critically evaluate online information, are increasingly seen as essential tools.

A school principal in Srinagar said that structured discussions in classrooms have helped students navigate sensitive topics. “We encourage questions rather than shutting them down,” the principal said. “When students feel safe to express doubts, they are less likely to seek answers in unverified spaces.”Community initiatives also play a role.

Local organisations working with youth have introduced mentorship programmes and extracurricular activities aimed at fostering a sense of inclusion. According to organisers, providing constructive outlets for energy and ambition can reduce susceptibility to harmful narratives.Mental health professionals highlight the need to address underlying emotional factors.

“Extremist messaging often exploits feelings of anger, injustice or alienation,” said a clinical psychologist based in Mumbai. “If those feelings are acknowledged and managed in healthy ways, the appeal of such narratives diminishes.”At the policy level, governments and institutions have focused on balancing security measures with preventive approaches.

Analysts note that enforcement alone is insufficient without parallel investment in education, employment opportunities and community engagement.The accounts gathered in these interviews indicate that while the pathways into extremism are complex, they are not inevitable.

Practitioners underline that timely intervention, supportive environments and access to credible information can significantly alter outcomes for young people navigating identity and belonging in an increasingly digital world.

In Japan, where life expectancy ranks among the highest globally, researchers and policymakers have long examined the cultural and social practices that contribute to longevity.

According to data from the World Health Organization, Japan’s average life expectancy exceeds 84 years, placing it consistently at the top of global rankings. Government statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare attribute this outcome to a combination of dietary patterns, healthcare access, and social structures that support ageing populations.

One focal point of research has been Okinawa, a southern prefecture often cited in longevity studies due to its high concentration of centenarians.

Academic studies conducted by institutions such as the National Institute of Health and Nutrition indicate that residents in Okinawa have historically maintained lower rates of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers compared to national averages, although these trends have begun to shift in recent decades.

Japanese dietary habits have been identified as a central factor in long life expectancy. Traditional meals emphasize fish, vegetables, soy-based products, and fermented foods, with relatively low consumption of red meat and processed items.

Researchers often cite the practice of “hara hachi bu,” a cultural guideline originating in Okinawa that encourages eating until one is approximately 80% full. Studies published by the Japanese government’s health agencies suggest that this approach contributes to lower caloric intake and reduced rates of obesity.

National data indicates that Japan’s obesity rate remains among the lowest in developed economies. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, adult obesity prevalence is below 5%, significantly lower than in many OECD countries.

Public health officials link this outcome not only to diet composition but also to portion control and meal structure, which typically includes multiple small dishes rather than a single large serving.Nutrition researchers at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition have also highlighted the role of fish consumption, which provides omega-3 fatty acids associated with cardiovascular health.

Fermented foods such as miso and natto are widely consumed and are believed to support gut health, although ongoing research continues to examine their long-term effects.

Beyond diet, social structures play a measurable role in Japan’s longevity profile. Studies examining ageing populations emphasize the importance of community engagement and social cohesion.

In Okinawa, the concept of “moai,” or informal social support groups, has been documented in academic literature as a mechanism for maintaining social ties throughout life. These groups often provide emotional support, financial assistance, and a sense of belonging, particularly among older residents.

Government data indicates that older adults in Japan remain more socially and physically active compared to counterparts in many other developed countries. According to surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a significant proportion of individuals aged 65 and above participate in community activities, part-time work, or volunteer initiatives.

This sustained engagement is associated with lower levels of social isolation, a factor that global health studies have linked to increased mortality risk.Urban planning and infrastructure have also been cited as contributing factors.

Japanese cities are generally designed to encourage walking and public transport use, leading to higher baseline levels of physical activity. Researchers note that daily movement, rather than structured exercise alone, plays a role in maintaining health over time.

Japan’s universal healthcare system is another key component underpinning longevity. Established in the 1960s, the system ensures broad access to medical services at controlled costs.

According to the World Health Organization, Japan’s healthcare model combines public insurance with regulated pricing, enabling high levels of service utilization without proportionate increases in expenditure.Preventive care is emphasized through regular health check-ups, which are widely available and often subsidized.

Government data indicates high participation rates in screening programs for conditions such as hypertension and certain cancers. Early detection and management of chronic diseases are considered central to extending healthy life expectancy, a metric that Japanese policymakers track alongside overall lifespan.

Pharmaceutical regulation and dietary guidelines are also integrated into national health strategies. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare periodically updates nutritional recommendations, reflecting evolving research on ageing and disease prevention. Public awareness campaigns reinforce these guidelines, contributing to relatively high levels of health literacy.

Despite these structural advantages, officials have acknowledged emerging challenges. Changes in dietary habits, particularly among younger populations, have been linked to rising rates of metabolic disorders in some regions.

In Okinawa, for instance, recent studies indicate a shift away from traditional diets toward higher consumption of processed foods, coinciding with increased obesity rates.

Japan’s experience has drawn sustained international attention, with policymakers and researchers examining how cultural practices intersect with formal healthcare systems to influence long-term outcomes.

The combination of dietary moderation, social integration, and accessible medical care continues to form the basis of the country’s longevity model, as reflected in both national statistics and global health assessments.