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Prevent

Prevent - What is Radicalisation?

Radicalisation means someone is being encouraged to develop extreme views or beliefs in support of terrorist groups and activities. There are different types of terrorism.

Spotting the signs of radicalisation

Radicalisation can be really difficult to spot. Signs that may indicate a child in being radicalised include:

isolating themselves from family and friends
talking as if from a scripted speech
unwillingness or inability to discuss their views
a sudden disrespectful attitude towards others
increased levels of anger
increased secretiveness, especially around internet use

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.

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.

What is meant by the Prevent duty?

The Prevent duty requires all education providers ‘to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’. This includes safeguarding children, young people and adult learners from extremist ideologies and radicalisation

Working with other organisations, the police protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists through a Home Office programme called Prevent. The role of Prevent Officers is to help people vulnerable to radicalisation move away from extremism. It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others.

The earlier you share your worries, the quicker we can get the person you care about the help they need to protect them from being groomed and radicalised.

You can call the national police Prevent advice line/ ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with specially trained officers. The support line is available every day 9.00am – 5.00pm, calls outside of these hours will be transferred to specialist Counter Terrorism officers.

If it’s an emergency, please call 999.