Keeping Children and Young People Safe against Radicalisation and Extremisim
Keeping Children and Young People Safe against Radicalisation and Extremism
The advice and information provided below sets out to help parents and carers keep their children safe and explains how they should respond if they have a concern.
Why might a young person be drawn towards extremist ideas?
- They may be searching for answers to questions about identity, faith and belonging
- They may be driven by the desire for ‘adventure’ and excitement
- They may be driven by a need to raise their self-esteem and promote their ‘street cred’
- They may be drawn to a group or individual who can offer identity, social network and support
- They may be influenced by world events and a sense of grievance resulting in a need to make a difference
How might this happen?
On-line: The internet provides entertainment, connectivity and interaction. Children often spend a lot of time on the internet and they use other social media and messaging sites such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Vine or Whatsapp. These can be useful tools but they can also be used to reach out to young people and communicate extremist messages.
Peer Groups: Young people at risk may display extrovert behaviour, start getting into trouble at school or on the streets and start mixing with different groups but this is not always the case.
ADVICE TO PARENTS AND CARERS:
TV and Media: The media provide a view on world affairs. However, this is often a very simple version of events which are in reality very complex. Therefore children may not understand the situation fully or appreciate the dangers involved in the views of some groups.
Recognising Extremism – signs may include:
- Out of character changes in dress, behaviour and peer relationships
- Secretive behaviour
- Losing interest in friends and activities
- Showing sympathy for extremist causes
- Glorifying violence
- Possessing illegal or extremist literature
- Advocating messages similar to illegal organisations
How can parents/carers support children and young people to stay safe?
- Know where your child is, who they are with and check this for yourself
- Know your child’s friends and their families
- Keep lines of communication open, listen to your child and talk to them about their interests
- Encourage them to take up positive activities with local groups that you can trust
- Talk to your child about what they see on the TV or the internet and explain that what they see or read may
not be the whole picture - Allow and encourage debate and questioning on local and world events and help them see different points of view
- Encourage your child to show an interest in the local community and show respect for people from all faiths and backgrounds
- Help your child to understand the dangers of becoming involved in situations about which they may not have the
full information - Teach them that expressing strong views and trying to change things for the better is fine but they should not take violent action against others or support those that do
- Be aware of your child’s on-line activity and update your own knowledge
- Know what social media and messaging sites your child uses
- Remind your child that people they contact over the internet may be pretending to be someone else
Explain that anyone who tells them to keep secrets from their family or teachers is likely to be trying to do them harm or put them in danger
If you have any concerns that your child may be being influenced by others get help – talk to someone you can trust, this could be extended family members or outside help. If you feel there is a risk of a child leaving the country, consider what precautions you could take to prevent travel.
GETTING HELP – USEFUL CONTACTS:
The Active Change Foundation (ACF) provide a confidential helpline to prevent British nationals from travelling to conflict zones. ACF Confidential helpline telephone number is 020 8539 2770
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Anyone with concerns for the safety of a child can call:
Integrated Front Door (IFD) on 01234 718700 (office hours) or ring 0300 300 8123
(out of hours).
Imminent threat of harm to others contact:
Police 999 or Anti-terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321
Bedford Academy – If you have a concern contact: Emma McCrossan, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Victoria Horlock, Assistant Head Teacher or Chris Deller, Head Teacher. They will be able to assist you in accessing support for you and your child.
Useful websites
- www.internetmatters.org Website has lots of information, advice and resources which can be used to help children stay safe online
www.ceop.gov.uk CEOP works with child protection partners across the UK and overseas to identify the main threats to children and coordinates activity against these threats to bring offenders to account, protecting children from harm online and offline
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/0/ Information and support for safe use of the internet
For more advice on cyber safety visit:
