What are the signs of radicalisation?
As young people go through a process of testing and developing their identity, they may be particularly vulnerable to being groomed or radicalised, either face-to-face or online.
Signs of radicalisation
Very few people that have extremist ideologies become involved in violent activity. However, it is important to consider the following points contextualised to what you know about the individual.
Do they …
- Advocate extremist messages
- Access extremist literature and imagery
- Show an interest in and sympathy to extremist causes
- Glorify violence
- Refuse to listen to different points of view
- Feel persecuted
- Own additional mobile phones or devices
- Spend an increasing amount of time on the internet. This may be in secret or they may have more than one online identity
Have they…
- changed their friendship group or associate with people who hold extremist beliefs
- lost interest in previous activities
- changed behaviours and beliefs
- changed their appearance
- become increasingly argumentative and abusive to others
- become disengaged from their studies.
How schools can help when they are concerned about radicalisation
Radicalisation is a gradual process that happens over time, making it possible to intervene and steer people away from being drawn into terrorism. If you come into regular contact with children and young people, you can help to identify patterns of behaviour that can show whether a person is engaged, is intent on causing harm or capable of committing violence.
In 2016/17, a total of 6,093 individuals were referred due to concerns that they were vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. 1,976 of those were referred via the education sector.
Practical resources
‘Educate against hate’ is a website developed and launched by the DfE and Home Office to provide schools with support and advice on extremism and radicalisation.
Prevent Duty training course
The above content is taken from EduCare’s online prevent duty training course. The Prevent Duty course has recently been updated to include up-to-date statistics and advice, as well as the inclusion of real-life cases and example scenarios. The course is now more interactive, utilises the latest e-learning technology and includes more practical content for schools to spot the signs and understand how to report.
The course costs just £10.50 exc VAT to buy online, or is included in many of our cost-effective training packages.
Get in touch to find out more.
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