The article is devoted to the consideration of youth and youth policy as factors of terrorism in the 21st century. The authors have identified factors that increase the effectiveness of recruiters of terrorist organizations in attracting young people, as well as formulated and justified the principles of improving the effectiveness of youth policy in the framework of anti-terrorist activities of the authorities. According to the authors, an important factor in the radicalization of young people is the low level of education in the country. The authors draw attention to the fact that the low level of education does not create opportunities for the development of young people. This, in turn, leads to a radicalization of the relationship between the authorities and students. If graduates are unable to find jobs that meet their expectations, then the risk of radicalization of young people increases. A good education not only allows the state to train qualified specialists, which effectively affects the social and economic development of society. Specialists in demand do not belong to social groups prone to violent and radical actions in relation to other citizens, both within the country and abroad. Therefore, it is necessary, on the one hand, to develop educational programs that allow college and university graduates to be in demand in the labor market, constantly improve their skills, and increase the level of knowledge. On the other hand, it is necessary to develop students' skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, respect for the institutions of society, and skills in solving social and professional problems.

The article deals with the value priorities of Russian students. This group does not have sustainable socioeconomic characteristics and therefore requires continuous scientific monitoring. The authors analyse current social problems and their changes caused by the transformations of the last period. They discuss the results of diagnosing the personal values and behavioural practices of young students in the current context. Young people have always been the most dynamic, energetic and critically minded part of society, with the fastest-growing professional and career paths. Youth feels and experiences change more deeply than others, and is a kind of change indicator, builds capacity and is a major driving force for society's progress. Many countries, including Russia, face a sharp increase in the social problems of young people. The nature and direction of current transformations are increasingly determining the worldview of young people and its most educated part -the student class. Student youth inherit the achieved level of development of society, are the main participant in social mobility and economic initiative, and determine the essence of social reproduction in all spheres. But not all young people find their place in the market system, there is a decline in their social status, access to education and cultural values, an increase in crime, deviant behaviour, unemployment and social inequality. Creating the conditions for the country's progress contributes fully realization of the potential of students, the use of professional, moral, legal, general humanistic attitudes for the creation and social cohesion.