What is Radicalisation?

The term radicalisation refers to someone starting to believe or support extreme views. This sometimes results in people participating in terrorist groups or acts.  

There are many factors that can motivate radicalisation: 

• Ideologies 
• Religious beliefs 
• Political beliefs 
• Prejudice against particular groups of people 

Simply put, the aim of radicalisation is to change what an individual believes in and their behaviour until they support or participate in extremist activity. 

Disclaimer: Not all individuals who have radical views will end up being involved in extremism. 

How does Radicalisation happen?

The chief target of extremist groups tends to be vulnerable individuals. Extremist groups tend to use the internet or close family/social ties to target these individuals. 

Extremist influences could include, but are not limited to: 

• Family members having direct contact or involvement with extremist or terrorist groups
• Staff members of an education or community setting promoting an extremist ideology 
• Peers promoting an extremist ideology or sharing extremist material 
• Access or exposure to online extremist material via social media or the internet – for example, propaganda including pictures, videos, blogs and fake news 
• Exposure to extremist, terrorist or other violent activity in overseas settings 
• Access or exposure to extremist leaflets, magazines or stickering 
• Exposure to extremist groups hosting marches, protests or stalls 

Radicalisers identify people’s anxieties and exploit their vulnerabilities. They present them with a belief system that is “correct”, credible, appealing and closely tied to an individual or group’s feelings of injustice. 

The radicalisers then convince the individual and/or group members that the world can be changed by believing in the new ideology and by taking action. This “action” can involve spreading the group’s ideals and trying to recruit others to radicalise and engage in violent acts. 

Factors that make a young person more vulnerable include:

Disclaimer: These factors will not always lead to radicalisation 

Social Media and the Internet 

Radicalisers use the internet to find and identify people that might be easily influenced and drawn into extremist behaviour. To combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, stress, anxiety or rejection many individuals turn to social media platforms and internet forums. Radicalisers will make efforts to connect with these vulnerable individuals or join in the online forum pretending to be a “listening ear”. 

After establishing a deeper connection with the person, the radicaliser will invite them to chat privately on another platform on the Dark Web or an encrypted messaging app. The vulnerable individual is then exposed to violent propaganda and extremist views.

Indicators of radicalisation

LLC  has a duty as specified within the Prevent Duty for England, Scotland and Wales, as a specified authority under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, to identify vulnerable children and young people and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism.

There are a number of ways that we at LLC help to build young people’s resilience to radicalisation and extremism: 

• We include radicalisation in LLC safeguarding policies and procedures and training and induction training. 
• We should identify those at risk and make sure everyone within LLC knows when to report a concern. 
• We continue to work in partnership with other organisations across communities. 
• We promote positive messages of tolerance and community cohesion while promoting inclusivity. 
• We help learners get support and give advice to parents if required. 
• We work to improve their self-esteem and self-confidence. 
• We provide a safe environment for debating a range of issues such as British values, recognising and managing risk, making safer choices and the impact of pressure from others. 
• We help young people understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making.

If you believe someone around you is involved in radicalisation and there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999 straight away. 

Follow up by doing the following: 

• Calling the police anti-terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321 
• Childline radicalisation helpline 
• Reporting suspicious activity online – https://act.campaign.gov.uk

Martyns Law

As this month’s topic is Radicalisation, it’s crucial to mention the importance of knowing Martyns Law. Martyns Law was proposed in response to the Manchester Arena Terrorist 2017 where 21 people were killed including Martyn Hett. The law was established to ensure stronger protection against terrorism in public places. Not all radical views lead to extremism and terrorism, nonetheless, no one wakes up and becomes a terrorist there tends to be a process. It’s important for us to remind ourselves of how severe radicalisation can be so we can protect individuals that are being exploited by radicalisers and our community. 

For more information on Martyns Law please find the link here

Thank you for reading this month’s safeguarding topic!

Please see below for information on LLC’s Safeguarding Officers: