Radicalisation and Extremism

The internet and social media provides many opportunities for those with extreme views to target young or vulnerable individuals. 

The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit puts considerable effort into removing terrorist and extremist material however, communities defeat terrorism, which is why we must maintain the strong relationship between the public and police. Police depend on information from the public in efforts to keep us all safe and we are asking anyone who has concerns about online content to report it by clicking the STOP Terrorists’ & Extremists’ Online link.

https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

As children grow and become more independent, it is not unusual for them to take risks, explore new things and push boundaries. Teenage years are often a time when young people will be searching for answers to questions about identity, faith and belonging, as well as looking for adventure and excitement.

This can mean that they are particularly vulnerable to extremist groups, who may claim to offer answers, as well as identity and a strong social network. And because they know young people are vulnerable, extremist groups often target them using the internet and social media to spread their ideology. There have been a number of tragic examples where young people have been misled by extremist groups, with some travelling to Syria and others becoming involved in hate crimes against minority groups.

As Parents protecting your children from radicalisation and extremism is similar to protecting them from the other harms you may be more familiar with, such as drugs, gangs and sexual exploitation, the website below is a useful tool which provides practical advice and support to help not just parents, but all individuals with an interest in keeping children safe from the dangers of extremism.