Online radicalisation and extremism

What you need to know

Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading 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 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.