Extremism and Radicalisation

Introduction

Children and young people can be drawn into violence or be exposed to the messages of extremist groups by many means.

These can include through the influence of family members or friends and/or direct contact with extremist groups and organisations. The internet and social media are increasingly being used to share extremist ideologies and views. This can put a young person at risk of being drawn into criminal activity and potentially cause significant harm.

There is no obvious profile of a person likely to become involved in extremism. The process of radicalisation is different for every individual and can take place over an extended period or within a very short time frame.

Radicalisation is the process by which people come to support terrorism and violent extremism and, in some cases, take part in terrorist groups and activities.

The risk of radicalisation is the product of a number of factors. Identifying such risks among the young people in your care requires you to exercise professional judgement and seek further advice from the police and Children’s Social Care as necessary. Indicators that a young person is being radicalised may include:

• Use of inappropriate language;
• Possession of violent extremist literature;
• Behavioural changes; are increasingly centred around an extremist ideology;
• The expression of extremist views;
• Advocating violent actions and means;
• Association with known extremists;
• Seeking to recruit others to an extremist ideology;
• A change of style of dress or personal appearance to accord with the group;
• Loss of interest in other friends and activities not associated with the extremist ideology.

The above list is not exhaustive, and there may be other indicators that the child or young person is at risk of violent extremism and radicalisation.

If you are concerned about a child or young person in your care, you must report these concerns to your supervising social worker, the child’s social worker or the out-of-hours support if it is urgent. They will be responsible for responding to your concerns and putting in place plans for support and other interventions as required.

On-line content in particular social media may pose a specific risk in normalising radical views and promoting shocking and extreme content; children can be trusting and may not necessarily appreciate bias, which can lead to being drawn into such groups and adopting their extremist views.

See: Internet, Photographs and Mobile Phones.

Consideration should also be given to the need for an emergency response - this will be extremely rare but examples are where there is information that a violent act is imminent or where weapons or other materials may be in possession of a young person or member of their family. In this situation you should call 999.

For more advice, please see Educate Against Hate - practical advice for parents, teachers and school leaders on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.