The process of radicalisation is very similar to grooming into exploitation and can often impact children who have additional vulnerabilities. While the process of radicalisation is not to be confused with exploitation, it is a risk that we need to be wary of as some of the vulnerabilities and indicators overlap.
Please read this alongside the One Minute Guide and the information available on Insite.
One minute guide: radicalisation and preventing extremism (leeds.gov.uk)
InSite - Prevent (leeds.gov.uk) for Leeds City Council staff only.
The below information is taken from: Radicalisation and child protection | NSPCC Learning website
How does radicalisation happen?
The process of radicalisation may involve:
- being groomed online or in person
- exploitation, including sexual exploitation
- psychological manipulation
- exposure to violent material and other inappropriate information
- the risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts.
- It happens gradually so children and young people who are affected may not realise what it is that they are being drawn into.
Vulnerability factors
Anyone can be radicalised but there are some factors which may make a young person more vulnerable. These include:
- being easily influenced or impressionable
- having low self-esteem or being isolated
- feeling that rejection, discrimination or injustice is taking place in society
- experiencing community tension amongst different groups
- being disrespectful or angry towards family and peers
- having a strong need for acceptance or belonging
- experiencing grief such as loss of a loved one.
- These factors will not always lead to radicalisation.
Indicators of radicalisation
If a child or young person is being radicalised their day-to-day behaviour may become increasingly centred around an extremist ideology, group or cause. For example, they may:
- spend increasing amounts of time talking to people with extreme views (this includes online and offline communication)
- change their style of dress or personal appearance
- lose interest in friends and activities that are not associated with the extremist ideology, group or cause
- have material or symbols associated with an extreme cause
- try to recruit others to join the cause
Concerns around radicalisation should be raised through your safeguarding processes. A referral can be made into duty and advice for children’s social work support.
A referral should also be made to Prevent so the child can be considered for Channel meetings and support under the Prevent agenda.
To make a referral to Prevent or for any other questions or queries contact the Leeds Prevent Team on 0113 53 50810 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm) or alternatively email prevent@leeds.gov.uk.