Radicalisation is the process of drawing people into violent extremism or terrorism. It is a form of grooming that seeks to recruit people into organisations through a range of different methods. It can be religious, political, ideological etc.

The Counter-Terrorism Act and the Prevent Duty seek to address this.

Signs and indicators might include:

• Isolating themselves from family and friends
• Talking as if from a scripted speech
• Expressing extremist views or reading extremist literature
• Expressing an affinity with those extremist views
• Unwillingness or inability to discuss their views without resorting to rhetoric and slogans
• Sudden disrespectful attitude towards others
• Increased levels of anger
• Increased secretiveness, especially around internet use.

Children who are at risk of radicalisation may have low self-esteem, or be victims of bullying or discrimination. Extremists might target them; tell them they can be part of something special, then later later brainwashing them into cutting themselves off from their friends and family.

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.

There are various useful videos including the following: