Online Radicalisation

Online Radicalisation

Support for issues raised in Circle North, Episode Five: Radicalised

In Radicalised, at first Harrison didn’t think too much about why his new gaming friends were asking about his “Britishness”. As their relationship grew, they encouraged him to look into some more extreme views about a perceived national threat.

His parents have no idea how he is being radicalised online with increasingly prejudice and racist views by a secretive online group calling themselves the BAS. As his views become more extreme his friends have the courage to challenge his views before they risk losing him forever.

The process of radicalisation may involve: 

  • Being groomed online or in person 
  • Exploitation, including sexual or criminal exploitation
  • Psychological manipulation
  • Exposure to violent material and other inappropriate information
  • The risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts.

It happens gradually so children and young people who are affected may not realise what it is that they are being drawn into. 

Signs someone may be being groomed and radicalised could include:

  • Isolating themselves from family and friends
  • Unwilling or unable to discuss views
  • Increased levels of anger
  • Talking as if speaking from a script/ not using words they normally use
  • A sudden disrespectful attitude towards others
  • Secretive, especially around their phone or internet use

Getting Help

If you are concerned about a friend, it can be tempting to not get involved. Whilst more difficult, helping to try to stop things before they get even worse is often the right thing to do. Although it’s not all on you.

You could talk to a trusted adult at home or at school where the teachers at your school will have had ‘prevent’ training.

Even if you are not sure, but you are worried something ‘isn’t right’, speak to someone you trust.

If you see online graphic or violent extremist material or content that supports, directs, or glorifies terrorism, you can report using an anonymous form on the Gov.uk website.
https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

Or if you see the above content on a social media app, you can report it via the app itself.
If you believe someone is going to act in a way to cause immediate harm others, such as carryout an attack call 999.

If you or someone you know is worried about the world, the NSPCC has created some help available through Childline here.

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