How does radicalisation happen?

Extremist groups may make use of the internet to encourage people to join them. And to encourage others to follow their beliefs. But radicalisation can happen in different ways. It is a form of child abuse.

It  may involve a child being:

• Groomed online or in person
• Exploited including child sexual exploitation
• Shown violent films, images or writing
• Put at risk of physical danger through extremist acts
• Harmed emotionally and psychologically.
• Voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideology
• Intolerance of difference whether secular or religious or in line with equalities policy with views on gender, disability, homophobia, race, colour, culture
• Use of extremist or hate terms to exclude others.

By who?

Some children may be radicalised by someone outside of the family who has influence over them in some way. Or by someone in their peer group. Others may be at risk of being radicalised by family members.

When?

Radicalisation happens bit by bit and over time. This means that often a child may not realise what is happening. Or what they are getting involved in. They may not think they are victims or being harmed.

Preventing radicalisation

The Revised Prevent duty guidance says that local councils should make sure there are clear, robust policies which help them identify children at risk of radicalisation. When assessing risk to children, and in their local area, they must work together with other agencies. This includes working with:

• Schools, colleges and universities
• Health services
• Youth offending teams and probation services.