The Shocking Surge in Child Radicalisation: A Practical Guide for Parents and Schools to Safeguard Children and Teens.

‘Staggering’ rise in children being investigated for terrorism, says MI5 boss.

Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, addressed a number of national security threats in an interview with broadcasters & has described the rise of children being investigated for terrorism in the UK as “staggering” as he warned of “canny online memes” drawing them into extreme right-wing ideologies.

Director-general Ken McCallum said the security agency was seeing “far too many cases where very young people are being drawn into poisonous online extremism”.

In today’s world, the internet offers young people a wealth of information and social connections at their fingertips. But along with the positives come dangers, including exposure to extremist ideologies that can lead to radicalisation.

As parents, it’s natural to feel concerned about the growing influence of online platforms and social media on children’s lives. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help protect your child from radicalisation while still allowing them to engage with technology.

1. Encourage Open Communication

Maintaining a strong, trusting relationship with your child is the first line of defence. Create a home environment where they feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, feelings, and online experiences with you. If your child encounters harmful content, they’re more likely to seek your help if they know they won’t be judged or punished.

Make time to talk to your child regularly about what they’re reading, watching, and listening to online. Ask open-ended questions such as, “What do you think about what you saw?” or “How does that make you feel?” These discussions will help you understand their views and identify any early signs of radicalisation, such as developing extremist views or expressing interest in joining certain groups.

2. Teach Critical Thinking

Equip your child with the tools to think critically about the information they come across, whether it’s on social media, news websites, or chat forums. Explain that not everything they read online is true or balanced, and encourage them to question the motives behind the content they consume.

Help your child spot signs of fake news, biased content, or extremist propaganda. Encourage them to verify facts by checking multiple sources and discussing any confusing information with a trusted adult.

3. Monitor Online Activity Without Spying

While it’s important to respect your child’s privacy, staying aware of their online activity can help you protect them. Familiarise yourself with the websites, social media platforms, and apps they use. Make sure you’re aware of any chat rooms or forums they frequent, as these can sometimes serve as spaces where extremist groups attempt to recruit young people.

Parental control tools or safety settings? can help you manage your child’s online experience without making them feel overly monitored. You can block access to certain websites, set time limits on app usage, and track which platforms they’re using most. However, it’s important to explain the reasons behind any restrictions so your child understands that these measures are about safety, not control.

4. Build Emotional Resilience

Radicalisation often preys on young people who feel isolated, misunderstood, or in search of a sense of belonging. By fostering emotional resilience in your child, you reduce the likelihood that they will be drawn towards extremist ideologies.

Encourage your child to form strong relationships with family, friends, and positive role models. Help them develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, such as physical activity, hobbies, or creative outlets. When children feel supported and grounded, they’re less likely to seek validation or answers from harmful sources.

5. Expose Them to Diverse Perspectives

Promote an open-minded and balanced worldview by exposing your child to different cultures, religions, and ideas. Discuss current events together and explain the importance of respecting others, even when they have differing views.

The more your child understands about the world, the less likely they are to fall into the trap of black-and-white thinking that extremists often promote. Encouraging curiosity about other cultures, whether through travel, books, or documentaries, can help prevent the ‘us versus them’ mindset that fuels radicalisation.

6. Look Out for Warning Signs

While every child is different, there are some common warning signs that could indicate your child is at risk of radicalisation.

These include:

• Isolation: Withdrawing from friends and family, or spending excessive time online.
• Fixation on certain topics: An intense interest in political or religious issues, especially those related to violence or extremism.
• Sudden changes in behaviour or beliefs: Adopting new ideologies or expressing intolerance towards different groups.
• Secrecy: Being secretive about online activities or using coded language in discussions.

?

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important not to panic. Approach the situation calmly and seek support from professionals if needed.

7. Know Where to Get Help

If you believe your child may be at risk of radicalisation, there are many organisations in the UK that offer advice and support to parents. Prevent, part of the UK government’s counter-terrorism strategy, is designed to stop people from becoming radicalised. They provide resources to help families and communities protect young people from extremist influences.

Other organisations, such as Childline and The NSPCC, offer advice for children and parents on staying safe online, including how to report inappropriate content.

Preventing radicalisation is an ongoing process that starts with communication, education, and trust. By staying engaged with your child’s online and offline lives, teaching critical thinking, and promoting emotional resilience, you can help protect them from the dangers of extremism. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone—there are plenty of resources available to support you along the way.

Here are some key resources available in the UK to help parents prevent radicalisation and protect their children:

1. Prevent Strategy

• Website: Gov.uk Prevent Strategy
• The Prevent strategy is a key part of the UK government’s counter-terrorism framework. It aims to prevent people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist ideologies. Prevent works with schools, local authorities, and families to safeguard individuals at risk of radicalisation.
• Key resources: Training, advice, and support on identifying and acting upon potential signs of radicalisation.

2. Educate Against Hate

• Website: Educate Against Hate
• This website provides practical advice and support for parents, teachers, and school leaders to protect children from extremism and radicalisation. It offers resources for discussing radicalisation, online safety, and extremism with young people.
• Key resources: Parent guides, video tutorials, online safety tips, and advice on addressing controversial topics.

3. Let’s Talk About It

• Website: Let’s Talk About It
• An initiative that helps parents and communities understand the dangers of radicalisation and how they can prevent it. It focuses on building resilience in young people and includes practical advice for both online and offline safeguarding.
• Key resources: Parental guides, signs of radicalisation, and information on safeguarding your child online.

4. Childline

• Website: Childline
• Childline offers a 24/7 helpline and online support for children and parents. They provide guidance on a range of issues, including radicalisation and staying safe online. Children can also use the service to speak with a trained counsellor about any concerns.
• Key resources: Confidential advice, helpline (0800 1111), online safety tips, and emotional support.

5. NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

• Website: NSPCC
• The NSPCC provides support for parents to help keep children safe from all types of harm, including radicalisation. They offer online resources and advice on spotting signs of radicalisation and how to handle conversations about it.
• Key resources: Helpline (0808 800 5000), online safety tools, parental guidance on social media and extremism.

6. The Counter Terrorism Policing Network

• Website: ACT Early
• Part of the Counter Terrorism Policing Network, the ACT Early initiative offers resources specifically for families concerned about the radicalisation of a loved one. They provide advice on the signs of radicalisation and how to access help.
• Key resources: Support helpline (0800 011 3764), expert advice, and stories from other families who have gone through similar experiences.

7. CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command)

• Website: CEOP
• CEOP helps to keep children and young people safe from online harm, including grooming for radicalisation. They provide resources for reporting suspicious behaviour and teaching young people how to stay safe online.
• Key resources: Reporting tools, educational resources for parents, and online safety guides for young people.

8. Family Lives

• Website: Family Lives
• Family Lives provides support and advice for parents facing challenges with their children, including concerns about radicalisation. They offer a confidential helpline and online resources for navigating difficult conversations and behaviours.
• Key resources: Parent helpline (0808 800 2222), online articles, and community forums for peer support.

These resources offer a combination of practical advice, training, and support to help parents safeguard their children from the risks of radicalisation and extremism. Many of them also provide helplines and counselling services for parents seeking further guidance.

The Role of Schools?

Schools play a crucial role in preventing radicalisation and safeguarding young people from extremist ideologies. They are not only centres of education but also environments where children and young people can develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging, all of which are key to preventing radicalisation.

Here’s how schools can help:

1. Promoting the Prevent Duty

• Under the Prevent Duty, introduced in the UK as part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy, schools are required to have measures in place to prevent students from being drawn into extremism.
• Schools must ensure that staff are trained to recognise the signs of radicalisation and know how to respond appropriately. This includes understanding the processes of referral to Channel, a programme aimed at supporting individuals vulnerable to radicalisation.
• Actions: Regular staff training, safeguarding policies that include radicalisation, and a clear strategy for handling concerns.

2. Teaching Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

• Schools are in a prime position to teach students how to think critically about the information they encounter, especially online. By fostering these skills, schools can help students question the motives behind extremist content, fake news, and propaganda.
• Media literacy education helps young people recognise biased or manipulated information, especially on social media, and empowers them to seek out diverse and balanced sources of information.
• Actions: Incorporating media literacy and critical thinking into the curriculum, particularly through subjects like citizenship, English, history, and IT.

3. Encouraging Open Dialogue and Inclusion

• Radicalisation often targets young people who feel isolated or marginalised. Schools can help by fostering an environment where students feel included, valued, and respected, regardless of their background, religion, or views.
• Open dialogue about sensitive issues such as extremism, religion, and politics should be encouraged in a safe, respectful setting. Discussions can help demystify extremist narratives and allow students to express concerns or ask questions without fear of judgment.
• Actions: Developing a whole-school approach to inclusion, promoting respect for diversity, and creating spaces for safe discussion.

4. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a framework that helps students manage emotions, set positive goals, and establish healthy relationships. By promoting emotional resilience, schools can help young people resist the appeal of extremist ideologies, which often prey on feelings of anger, frustration, or isolation.
• SEL also supports students in handling conflict and differences of opinion constructively, reducing the likelihood of students adopting an “us vs. them” mentality.
• Actions: Implementing SEL programmes, teaching empathy, and offering mental health support services in school.

5. Building Strong Relationships with Families

• Schools should work in partnership with parents and carers to prevent radicalisation. Families can be an important source of support, but they may not always recognise the signs of radicalisation or know how to address it. By building strong relationships with families, schools can offer guidance and resources.
• Regular communication with parents about online safety and the risks of radicalisation can equip them to better monitor and engage with their children’s online activities.
• Actions: Hosting workshops for parents on radicalisation, offering resources about online safety, and maintaining open lines of communication between school and home.

6. Safeguarding Online Behaviour

• Schools can help keep children safe online by teaching them about e-safety and responsible internet use. This includes educating students on the dangers of online radicalisation, how extremist groups might target them through social media or gaming platforms, and what to do if they encounter extremist content.
• Schools should also ensure that their IT systems have filters to block harmful websites and provide students with the knowledge to report suspicious activity.
• Actions: E-safety programmes, internet filters, and clear protocols for reporting inappropriate content.

7. Providing Access to Support Services

• Schools should provide access to support services for students who may be vulnerable to radicalisation. Counsellors, pastoral staff, and mentors can help young people who are experiencing difficulties that could make them susceptible to extremist ideologies.
• Schools can also refer students to external services such as Channel, part of the Prevent programme, which provides tailored support to individuals at risk of radicalisation.
• Actions: Offering in-school counselling, working with external agencies, and knowing when and how to refer at-risk students.

8. Challenging Extremist Views

• Schools must take a firm stance against any form of hate speech, extremism, or intolerance expressed by students. However, it is important to challenge these views constructively, giving students the opportunity to reflect on their beliefs and develop a more informed perspective.
• Teachers can challenge extremist ideologies by promoting British values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different beliefs.
• Actions: Incorporating discussions of values into lessons, promoting respect for all, and having clear policies to address extremist behaviour.

9. Working with Community Organisations

• Schools can collaborate with community groups and local organisations that work to prevent radicalisation. These partnerships can provide students with additional resources, role models, and extracurricular activities that promote positive values and a sense of belonging.
• Actions: Partnering with local community organisations, religious groups, and youth services to provide workshops, mentorships, and outreach programmes.

Schools have a vital role to play in the fight against radicalisation. By promoting an inclusive, supportive environment, teaching critical thinking, and engaging with families and communities, schools can help safeguard young people from the influences of extremism.

Collaboration between schools, families, and external organisations is key to creating a united front against radicalisation and building resilience in young people.

Parents, don’t put your head in the sand, around these difficult challenges you face—your involvement is crucial in your child’s development. Engage with their education, ask questions, and approach situations with confidence; your active participation can make a significant difference in their lives.