One minute guide: Radicalisation and preventing extremism

What is radicalisation

Radicalisation is a safeguarding issue and refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and other forms of extremism leading to terrorism. Whilst no single factor is usually enough to cause someone to join a terrorist organisation, several factors together can create the conditions under which terrorism can occur.

There is no single profile of what an extremist looks like or what might drive someone to become radicalised. Those involved in extremist activity can come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. Radicalisation is a process and the process is different for everyone - it can take place over an extended period or within a very short time frame.

Factors contributing towards radicalisation

It is important to be able to recognise the factors that might contribute towards the radicalisation of an individual. Some of the causes that lead to an individual becoming radicalised are no different to other factors that can lead vulnerable individuals towards concerning activity such as drug misuse, child sexual exploitation, gangs and alcohol abuse. Other factors may include:

• a need for belonging
• bereavement
• looking for a cause or reward
• mental health difficulties
• being withdrawn or isolated
• a sense of injustice or grievance
• a desire for power, respect or status
• bullying
• drug or alcohol misuse
• online use or online radicalisation

Behaviours that might be displayed by someone who is being radicalised

Radicalisation may be identified by an individual exhibiting a change in behaviour or a number of changes in behaviours. These may include some of the following, but remember there may be other underlying reasons for behaviour changes:

• changes in mood, patterns of behaviour or secretive behaviour
• possession of violent extremist literature or use of inappropriate language or speech
• the expression of extremist views or sympathy to their causes
• seeking to engage or recruit others to extremist ideologies, extreme groups, literature, online social media groups or marches
• preaching or imposing their views on others
• isolating themselves from family and friends
• outbursts of anger
• change in language or use of words
• fixation on a new subject or person
• secretive online behaviour, spending excessive amounts of time online, using worrying apps or watching concerning videos Chatting to people online who may not have the individual’s best interests at heart

These should not be seen as an exhaustive list, rather an indication of worrying behaviours that could make someone susceptible to radicalisation.

Online radicalisation

Everyone is using the online space much more and online radicalisation is a key concern. The online space allows extremists the opportunity to target, connect and communicate with people susceptible to radicalisation. Exposure to extremist content and groups online can lead people down a dangerous path.

Online exploitation can be difficult to identify but if you do spot it, act early to enable the individual to get the support they need.

What a practitioner should do if they have a concern

If as a practitioner you have a concern, you should follow your organisation’s safeguarding policy and remind yourself of this helpful sequence:

Notice - Check - Share.

If you notice a change in an individual that could make them vulnerable to being exploited or radicalised, follow the safeguarding procedures within your organisation. Check your concern with a senior member of staff or designated safeguarding lead and if there is a genuine concern about radicalisation, they should share a Prevent referral.

Channel Programme

Channel is a voluntary programme designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals from being drawn into extremist or terrorist behaviour. Channel works in a similar way to existing multi-agency partnerships for vulnerable individuals.

Channel is chaired by the local authority and works with multi-agency partners to collectively assess the risk to an individual, decide whether an intervention is necessary and work with partners to develop an appropriate support package for each referral.

• One minute guide: Radicalisation and preventing extremism (PDF, 252KB)