Online radicalisation and extremism

What you need to know

Some views or ideologies shared online may be considered radical or extreme. Radicalisation is when an individual or group adopt extreme political, social, or religious views that can lead to terrorism.

Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our shared values. These include democracy and the rule of law, mutual respect and tolerance of other faiths and beliefs. Extremist groups use the internet, and particularly social media and AI tools to reach large audiences with the aim of finding people vulnerable to their messages and their grooming. Signs of a child or young person being radicalised could include changing friends and appearance, refusing to listen to different points of view, unwilling to engage with those who are different, embracing conspiracy theories and being sympathetic to extremist ideologies and groups.

You can report online terrorism related content to the police’s Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit. If you are concerned about a child or young person being radicalised you can seek advice from your local safeguarding lead or make a referral to safeguard the person you are concerned about by using the Prevent referral form.