Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism.
Extremism is defined as the vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.
You might be in a position to identify and support someone who may be vulnerable to becoming involved in extremism or terrorism. It might be that some of your peers may be showing signs…
What are the signs?
- Being at a transitional time of life
- Feelings of grievance and injustice
- Feeling under threat
- Social networks involvement in extremism
- A need for identity, meaning and belonging
- Relevant mental health issues
- A desire for status
- A desire for excitement and adventure
- A need to dominate and control others
- Being influenced or controlled by a group
- Susceptibility to indoctrination
- Opportunistic involvement
- A desire for political or moral change
This is not an exhaustive list of potential vulnerabilities and warning signs, but if you are worried that someone's behaviour has changed, they have new views and opinions or are making travel plans to areas of conflict, raise this with a member of staff at the college.
How can you keep yourself and your friend’s safe when it comes to terrorism?
- Keep yourself safe online!
- Know who you are talking to
- Check that any content you are viewing online is appropriate
- Only open messages from sources that you trust
- Keep your social media settings on Safe and Private
- Don’t give out personal information
- Protect your online reputation
- Only open messages from sources that you trust
- Keep your social media settings on Safe and Private
- Protect your online reputation
- Protect children and the vulnerable
- Children and vulnerable adults can be contacted by bullies and people who want to groom or radicalise or seek to abuse them. If you are concerned that this is happening to someone you know, report it to your Achievement Coach.
- Don’t give in to pressure
- Speak to someone if you feel uncomfortable
- Know where to find help
- Remember, not everything online is true
- Always check any information people share on the internet by looking at other websites, books, or speaking to your family and friends.
