Online radicalisation and extremism

Overview

Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to shared values such as:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• mutual respect 
• tolerance of other faiths and beliefs

Some online content may promote extreme ideologies.

Radicalisation is when an individual or group adopts extreme political, social, or religious views that can lead to terrorism.

The key distinction is:

• radicalisation is a process
• extremism is the outcome and reflected in a person’s beliefs

Extremist groups often use the internet, including social media and AI tools, to:

• reach large audiences
• target individuals who may be vulnerable to their messaging and grooming tactics

Radicalisation tactics

Terrorist propaganda often exploits the issues young people are struggling with, such as:

• identity
• faith 
• belonging

Extremists use divisive narratives to create ‘in-group’ and ‘out-group’ identities, ‘us’ and ‘them’. Highly emotive language and imagery is often used to draw individuals in, with the:

• ‘in-group’ glorified and praised
• ‘out-group’ criticised and slandered

Signs of radicalisation

Behaviour changes that may indicate radicalisation in young people include:

• changing their friends
• changing their appearance
• secretive behaviour or reluctance to share whereabouts
• refusing to listen to alternative viewpoints
• becoming argumentative
• intolerance of those who are different from them
• interest in conspiracy theories
• sympathy for extremist groups or ideologies 
• converting to a new religion
• accessing extremist content online

Guidance for young people

Guidance for schools

Prevent

Prevent is one part of the government’s overall counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. The aim of Prevent is to:

• tackle the ideological causes of terrorism
• intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation
• enable those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate

Prevent duty guidance is intended for use by:

• senior leadership teams in specified authorities (as listed in Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the CTSA 2015)
• staff with Prevent or safeguarding responsibilities
• people in specified authorities with responsibility for managing resources, funding or external partnerships
• frontline professionals who may engage with individuals susceptible to radicalisation

Prevent duty training is available for all professionals in sectors covered by the duty. This includes education. The training covers:

• the Prevent duty and its purpose
• different forms of extremism and terrorism
• the risk around radicalisation and your supportive role
• making a Prevent referral 
• interventions and support available

Reporting concerns

If you become concerned about a child in your care, you should:

• follow your organisation’s safeguarding processes of notice, check and share with your designated senior person for child protection 
• report concerns using the All Wales Prevent Partners Referral Form

All Wales Practice Guide

The All Wales Practice Guide: Safeguarding children from online abuse provides information for practitioners about safeguarding responses to different forms of online abuse, including radicalisation.

Guidance for families

Views from the experts

Help and support