Extremism and Radicalisation

Children and young people can be drawn into violence or they can 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 or, increasingly, through the internet. This can put a young person at risk of being drawn into criminal activity and has the potential to 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 or extremism is where someone holds views that are intolerant of people who are of a different ethnicity, culture, religion, gender or sexual identity. Extremists may try to force their views on others and, in some cases, may believe that these views can justify the use of violence in order to achieve certain aims.

Examples of violent extremist causes that have used violence to achieve their ends include white extremists from the far-right or Islamist fundamentalists and animal rights activists. These usually attract people to their cause through a persuasive, sometimes violent narrative. The narratives often provide people with answers democracy doesn't give to the various grievances they may have either towards their school, family, missed opportunities in life or other. They then justify violence or criminal actions with the need to impose radical changes or avenge any suffering they themselves or others may have been subjected to.

People can be radicalised by family members or friends, through direct contact with extremist groups, or through the internet. Extremist messages or membership of an extremist group can offer a sense of purpose, community and identity which may be appealing, especially if someone is experiencing challenges in their life.

Teenagers can be at greater risk because they are more independent, exploring new things and pushing boundaries as they grow and discover more about their identity, faith and sense of belonging.

Extremist groups often target young people via the internet and social media.

The process may involve:

• Being groomed online or in person;
• Exploitation, including sexual exploitation;
• Psychological manipulation;
• Exposure to violent material and other inappropriate information;
• The risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts.

What are the signs?

It can be hard to know when extreme views become something dangerous, and the signs of radicalisation aren't always obvious.

There is no specific profile for a person likely to become involved in extremism or a single indicator of when a person might move to adopt violence in support of extremist ideas.

Radicalisation can be difficult to spot, but signs that could indicate a child is being radicalised include:

• A change in behaviour;
• Changing their circle of friends;
• Isolating themselves from family and friends;
• Talking as if from a scripted speech;
• Unwillingness or inability to discuss their views;
• A sudden disrespectful attitude towards others;
• Increased levels of anger;
• Increased secretiveness, especially around internet use;
• Accessing extremist material online;
• Using extremist or hate terms to exclude others or incite violence;
• Writing or creating artwork promoting violent extremist messages.

However, these signs don't necessarily mean a child is being radicalised – sometimes it may be normal teenage behaviour or a sign that something else is wrong.

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 in any way you must report these concerns to your Supervising Social Worker and the child's social worker or the Out of Hours support if it won't wait. It will be their responsibility to take the concerns forward through the appropriate channels.

On-line content in particular social media may pose a specific risk in normalising radical views and promoting content that is shocking and extreme; children can be trusting and may not necessarily appreciate bias, which can lead to being drawn into such groups and to adopt 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 the possession of a young person or member of his or her family. In this situation you should call 999.