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Radicalisation and Extremism
Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Radicalisation is defined as the process by which people come to support extremist or terrorist views. This may include being encouraged to engage in criminal activity (damaging property, commit violent acts)
There is no single route to radicalisation. However, there are certain behaviours you can watch out for that we often see when someone is being led down the path of extremism and radicalisation.
These signs and vulnerabilities are not listed in any order of importance or as an exhaustive list:
- Being influenced or controlled by a group
- An obsessive or angry desire for change or ‘something to be done’
- Spending an increasing amount of time online and sharing extreme views on social media.
- Personal crisis
- Need for identity, meaning and belonging
- Mental health issues
- Looking to blame others
- Desire for status, need to dominate
PREVENT is a government strategy to stop young people from becoming involved in, or supporting terrorism. Prevent works with communities by using voluntary early intervention to encourage them to challenge extremist and terrorist ideology and behaviour.
Anyone can be radicalised, but factors such as being easily influenced and impressionable make children and young people vulnerable. Children may also be at risk of radicalisation if they have low self-esteem, feel isolated and lonely, or have been victims of bullying, prejudice or discrimination.