What do we mean by radicalisation and extremism?

• Radicalisation is when someone is influenced to support harmful or extreme views, including the use of violence
• Extremism is when someone actively opposes important shared values such as respect, tolerance and the rule of law

Schools have a duty to help prevent this, just as we protect children from other risks.

How does radicalisation happen?

Radicalisation is often a gradual process that happens over a long period of time, and increasingly this is happening online.

Young people may come across:

• Conspiracy theories or misleading information in videos (sometimes AI generated)
• Content that targets particular groups or communities
• Messages on social media, group chats or online games

In some cases, individuals may try to build relationships with young people and slowly introduce more extreme ideas over time with the deliberate aim of exploiting or radicalising them.

Why might young people in particular be vulnerable?

Any child can be affected, but some factors can increase vulnerability, including:

• Feeling isolated, lonely, or misunderstood, or like they don't 'fit in'
• Experiencing bullying or discrimination
• Low self-esteem or lack of confidence
• Wanting to belong to a group or find a sense of identity

Online spaces can sometimes make it easier for harmful ideas to take hold, especially if children are spending more time unsupervised.  

Signs to be aware of

Changes in behaviour don’t always mean there is a safeguarding concern, but it is helpful to be aware of possible indicators. If you're concern your child might be exposing themselves to radical or extremist views, you might notice that they are:

• Becoming more withdrawn or isolated from friends and family
• Showing strong or extreme opinions that seem out of character
• Being unwilling to hear other viewpoints
• Showing increased anger, secrecy, or defensiveness
• Spending significantly more time online
• Changing friendship groups or losing interest in usual activities
• Using language or expressing beliefs linked to extremist ideas.

What can you do as BHCS parents/carers?

The most important thing you can do is stay connected and keep communication open.

• Talk openly

  • Encourage your child to share their views and questions
  • Discuss current events in an age-appropriate way
  • Help them understand that it’s okay to disagree respectfully

• Encourage critical thinking

  • Talk about how online information can be misleading
  • Explore different viewpoints together
  • Help your child question what they see and hear

• Stay involved in online life

  • Know which platforms and games your child is using
  • Talk about how content is suggested to them
  • Remind them not everything they see online is accurate or safe

• Build strong relationships

  • Spend time together and show interest in their lives
  • Help them feel listened to, valued and supported
  • Encourage positive activities and friendships

• Keep communication supportive

  • Listen calmly if your child shares something concerning
  • Avoid judgement—focus on understanding and guiding

 

The Educate Against Hate website gives more details advice about how you can effectively discuss extremism with your child, if you're concern about getting it right:  https://www.educateagainsthate.com/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-extremism/

Need support?

If you ever have concerns about your child or would like advice, please contact the school safeguarding team. This can feel like a very concerning topic, but we're here to help!