Radicalisation: What You Need to Know

What is Radicalisation?

Radicalisation is when someone tries to pull you into extreme beliefs—especially ones that promote hate, division, or even violence. It can happen slowly, through online chats, videos, or games, or more directly through people trying to recruit or influence you.

They might say things like:

• “You’re finally seeing the truth.”
• “They’re lying to you.”
• “You don’t belong with them—belong with us instead.”

These messages might seem powerful at first—but they’re designed to twist how you think, isolate you, and control you.

You might think radicalisation only happens somewhere far away — but it can start with a simple chat or a click.

Online radicalisation means someone begins to believe extreme ideas, join groups that promote violence or hate, or get caught up in online circles that seem “all in”.

It can start quietly: a friendly message, a group that says they understand you, memes that push one idea over everything else. If something online starts making you feel like you’re different, or others don’t understand you, or that only they “get” you — it’s a good moment to pause and ask yourself: who is this person or group really?

How Radicalisation Works

It doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a process, often broken into four stages:

1. Interest – You stumble across a new group, influencer, or ideology that seems bold or different.
2. Belief Shift – You start agreeing with their ideas and questioning everything else.
3. Isolation – You’re encouraged to cut off from others who “don’t get it.”
4. Action – You’re pushed to spread hate, break laws, or even commit harmful acts.

It often happens online, on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Discord, Reddit, Telegram, or even in private gaming chats. You might not even realise it’s happening until you’re deep in.

Why Some People Get Targeted

Anyone can be influenced, but you might be more at risk if:

• You feel lonely, rejected, or misunderstood.
• You’ve had a hard time with school, family, or friendships.
• You’re looking for meaning or a group to belong to.
• You’re spending a lot of time online or in private groups.
• You’re curious about politics, religion, or social justice but don’t know what’s true or who to trust.

These feelings are totally normal, but some people will try to exploit them.

How It Shows Up

Here are some warning signs that you, or someone you know, might be getting pulled into something harmful:

• Sharing or watching violent or hateful videos.
• Talking like there’s only “us vs. them”.
• Quoting extremist phrases.
• Becoming distant or secretive about online activity.
• Suddenly changing appearance, beliefs, or dropping hobbies.
• Glorifying violence “for the cause”.
• Saying things like “you can’t trust anyone but us”.

If You’re Worried About Yourself

First of all, respect to you for noticing. It’s easy to get drawn in, especially when people act like they understand you better than anyone else.

Ask questions. If someone’s saying one group is to blame for everything, or that violence is the only answer, that’s a red flag.

Don’t be afraid to step back. You’re allowed to change your mind, leave a chat, or stop following someone if something feels off.

Talk to someone you trust. This could be a parent, older sibling, teacher, or school safeguarding lead. You're not in trouble. It’s okay to be unsure, what matters is that you feel safe.

If You’re Worried About a Friend

• Don’t ignore the signs. They might be in deeper than they realise.
• Be a mate, ask them what’s going on.
• You can speak to a teacher, safeguarding lead, or youth worker without getting them in trouble. It could seriously help.

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You deserve to feel safe, valued, and free to be yourself. Radical groups pretend to offer answers, but they only create more harm. If something feels wrong, it probably is. You are never alone in figuring it out.