Radicalisation
What is Risk ?
Digital risk factors associated with their interests and activities
Someone with extreme views may radicalise others online through:
- posts and discussions in web forums
- sharing content on social media and video streaming platforms
- group chat or direct messages in encrypted messaging services
Radicalisation can begin on online spaces like social media platforms. It might then happen on less moderated parts of the internet. For example:
- encrypted messengers
- the dark web
- online gaming services
A child or young person who has been radicalised might adopt extreme views about:
- politics
- religion
- race
- specific groups or communities
- social issues, for example, climate change
- values, for example, voting rights
The process can be emotionally manipulative and involve the sharing and spreading of disinformation.
People can become radicalised without having direct contact with others. For example, viewing extreme content on social media, which in turn becomes increasingly recommended in their news feed.
Where this can happen
Risks and motivations
Risks
Illegal and dangerous behaviours
A child or young person who believes in extreme ideologies might become involved with illegal activity.
This could include:
- riots and public order offences
- threats or violence
- terrorist activity
A child or young person who commits a criminal offence can face legal consequences. For example, a criminal record or prison sentence.
Impact on relationships
Being radicalised can damage a child or young person’s relationships with others. For example, a young person with misogynistic views might find that some friends no longer talk to them.
If a child or young person feels excluded or isolated, they may be even more likely to engage with extreme beliefs or groups.
Physical harm
A child or young person involved with an extremist organisation could be at risk of physical harm. For example, others might target and hurt them because of their beliefs. They could also be asked to travel to unsafe events or locations for a cause.
Financial harm
A child or young person might help fund a radical or extremist group. They could spend lots of their own money. They may also get into debt. For example, they could be asked to make a series of online donations to a crowdfunding project.
Upsetting or inappropriate content
A child or young person who is being radicalised could be exposed to upsetting content online. For example, they might be shown graphic video footage from a terrorist incident or war zone.
A child or young person might feel upset, worried, or unsure about something they have seen.
Motivations
Reasons why a child or young person may be attracted to radical groups or extremist views include:
- loneliness or isolation
- experiencing discrimination or prejudice
- seeing extreme content online
- being groomed or manipulated
- wanting to feel part of community
- interest in politics or social issues
- friends or family involved with extremist groups
What you can do
You may be working with a child or young person who you suspect is being radicalised. You could familiarise yourself with some of the signs of radicalisation. For example, a child or young person might:
- spend more time engaging with extreme content online
- blame or become aggressive towards a group of people
- desire change, for example, in politics
- become more secretive
- use new language
- repeat phrases that sound scripted
- change their appearance
- express new beliefs
- lose interest in friends or hobbies
The Home Office has a vulnerability framework which can help you identify if a child or young person is at risk of radicalisation. If you have any immediate concerns about their wellbeing or safety, contact emergency services by dialling 999.
If you think that a young person is at risk, follow your safeguarding procedure and read our safeguarding guidance.
Support
You may be working with a child or young person who has been radicalised. In these instances, you should always refer to prevent duty guidance and your designated safeguarding lead.
Keep in mind that recovery from radicalisation can be a lengthy process. It is also likely to require involvement from multiple organisations. Every recovery process will be different.
Read more about radicalisation
- The link between misinformation and radicalisation (Perspectives on terrorism) – Journal
- Social media, extremism, and radicalization (Scientific Advances Journal) – Journal
- Exploring relationships between seeking for online extremist materials and cognitive radicalization in young adults (Computers in Human Behavior Reports) – Journal
Share your experience of radicalisation
You can tell us about:
- other terms you might have heard
- conversations you’ve had with young people
- a related platform or app
- another related risk or harm