What is Radicalisation?
Radicalisation is a process where a person comes to support extremist ideologies or beliefs. It is often targeted at young people through emotional manipulation, online grooming, and social pressure. The end goal may involve justifying violence or even engaging in terrorist activity.
Stages of Radicalisation
- Pre-Radical: initial interest in a group or cause
- Self-Identity: adopting the group’s belief system
- Indoctrination: deeper manipulation and detachment from others
- Action: support or involvement in harmful acts
Who is at Risk?
Any young person can be influenced by extreme views, but some may be more vulnerable if they:
- Act out with family or friends - Sudden changes in behaviour like increased anger, defiance, or emotional outbursts can signal underlying distress
- Crave acceptance or belonging - If your child seems desperately eager to please a new group or is changing their values to fit in, they may be vulnerable to negative influences
- Are easily influenced or feeling isolated - Children who struggle to think critically about new ideas or who feel lonely are more susceptible to manipulation
- Struggle with self-esteem or rejection - Kids who take criticism very personally or doubt their self-worth may seek validation in unhealthy ways
How Radicalisation Happens Online
Extremist recruiters use gamified content,rewards, closed forums, and conspiracy theories to target children. They create a sense of belonging and identity, often isolating young people from their existing networks.
- Online or in-person grooming – Someone may try to build trust with your child to influence their beliefs.
- Exploitation – This can include manipulation, pressure, or even sexual exploitation.
- Emotional manipulation – They may target vulnerabilities, making a young person feel isolated or misunderstood.
- Exposure to harmful content – Violent material or extreme ideas shared online or in person.
- Risks to safety – In extreme cases, this can lead todangerous situations or involvement in harmful acts
Signs to Watch For
- Accessing or sharing extremist content online – If your child is viewing or spreading violent videos, hate speech, or conspiracy theories, it could indicate harmful influences.
- Justifying violence for a cause
- Changes in behaviour, appearance, or beliefs – Sudden shifts, like quitting hobbies, dressing differently, or adopting extreme "us vs. them" views, may signal outside pressure.
- Becoming secretive or isolated – Withdrawing from family/friends, hiding online activity, or avoiding conversations could mean they’re being influenced.
- Using extremist symbols or phrases – Repeating coded language, offensive memes, or glorifying violent groups
What Can Parents Do? - Tips for Talking
- Encourage critical thinking and discussion about world events
- Promote online safety and digital literacy
- Talk regularly and honestly about extremism and hate - Perhaps start the conversation when something relevant to extremism comes up on TV
- Reassure your child that they can talk to you without judgment - Try not to react if they say something you don't expect. Make sure that they know that they're not being told off
