Radicalisation and extremism

Children who are at risk of radicalisation may have low self-esteem or be victims of bullying or discrimination. Extremists might target them and tell them they can be part of something special, later brainwashing them into cutting themselves off from their friends and family.

However, these signs don’t necessarily mean a child is being radicalised – it may be normal teenage behaviour or a sign that something else is wrong.

In 2015, Bexley Safeguarding Children’s Board (the previous safeguarding partnership arrangement) produced guidance which you can download advice here:

https://media.inzu.net/2acc977c715cd84d14a75f01032546ad/

The Department for Education and the Home Office have developed the website Educate Against Hate. This website has lots of resources explaining how to approach the topic of radicalisation with your child and how to protect them from it:

https://educateagainsthate.com/parents/?filter=extremism-and-radicalisation-parents

The not-for-profit organisation Internet Matters have an information page about radicalisation, its causes, and how to spot the warning signs:

https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/radicalisation/