Is Islamic State using execution videos to indoctrinate Syrian children?

Chilling footage has emerged of children being shown an IS execution video in Syria. Activists say it's part of the battle for young hearts and minds in the war-torn country.

CNN's Nick Paton Walsh takes a look at how ISIS is using media to desensitize children. (Screenshot: CNN)

This is movie night, but it's an ISIS production. 

An activist filmed these pictures, as the main event gets under way - an ISIS execution video. It is uncertain whether the moment of death is shown.

Syrian psychologist Mohammed al-Sayed, who specialises in the impact of war and ISIS on children, examined this footage.

"What we see in these videos is ISIS taking steps to make it normal for the children to see such things," he told CNN.

"They hope that all - or at least some - of the children will go on to do the same things - not just be silent of accept it, but do it.

"Of course when child is growing up there is a special time in his life when you can work on planting specific ideas in their minds, it will result in attitudes in the future."

The chilling footage was secretly filmed at Deir Ezzor, a city in eastern Syria, where terrorists have found fertile ground for recruiting youngsters.