I’m worried my child is being radicalised
What is radicalisation?
Radicalisation is a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals, especially with regard to support for or use of violence. (Taken from the Family lives website)
Signs that your child might be being radicalised +
It can often be difficult to decide what normal teenage behaviour is and what is not. Some of the signs listed below are typical of lots of teenagers. You might become more concerned about their behaviour though if there is a combination of the following;
They may;
- Be short tempered
- Be Angry
- Have a new found arrogance
- Be withdrawn
- Appear depressed
- Cuts off ties with friends and family to keep company with a new circle
- Start to support violence
- Often Cry
- Become fixated on a subject
- Be closed to new ideas or conversations
- Change their usual language or words
- Ask inappropriate questions
- Become disinterested in school or activities they previously liked to do
- Express hateful views or use derogatory terms towards other individuals or groups
- Spend time on their computer researching extremist groups
- Like or retweeting posts made by fighters or extremists on their social media accounts
- Develop a scripted speech as if someone is telling them what to say or it is “rehearsed”
- Saying inappropriate things such as a call to action against particular groups
- Get Tattoos or practice drawings
- Have extended use of internet or new found use of
- Display changes in routine
- Have a new circle of friends
- Be absent from usual meetings, gatherings, family activity
- Have a general change in appearance
What should I do if I think my child is being radicalised?
The Educate Against Hate website offers useful tips and resources to support you in having an initial conversation with you child, it includes information on;
How do I talk to my child about extremism?
Is my child vulnerable to radicalisation?
How is extremism relevant to me as a parent?
What can I do to protect my child from extremist influences?
ACT Early website also has tips on how to start a conversation with your child.
The NSPCC offer advice and resources for concerned parents
Watch NSPCC: Parents worried about radicalisation
Report it +
|
Report illegal or harmful information, pictures or videos you’ve found on the internet.
You can report things like:
- articles, images, speeches or videos that promote terrorism or encourage violence
- websites made by terrorist or extremist organisations
- videos of terrorist attacks
You can make your report without leaving your name and contact details.
https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism.
For advice and support parents can call the NSPCC anonymously 0808 800 5000 or the ACT Early Support Line on 9800 011 3764. The Support Line is open 9:00am – 5:00pm every day.
|