Radicalisation or Extremism
What is extremism?
‘Extremism’ can be defined as 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. Also included in the definition of extremism is calling for the death of members of the armed forces.
What is radicalisation?
The Government definition of radicalisation is “The process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism.”
Under section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 specified authorities, which includes schools, must have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.
What does the Trust do to help educate its students?
The Trust and its schools have an ethos that challenges intolerant views including extremist or radical attitudes. It also addresses these issues as part of its curriculum, including specific lessons in the LIFE (Personal, Social, Health Education) programme.
What is the Prevent strategy?
Prevent addresses all forms of terrorism and non-violent extremism which can create an atmosphere conducive to terrorism and can popularise views which terrorists then exploit. The Prevent strategy makes clear that preventing people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism requires challenge to extremist ideas where they are used to legitimise terrorism and are shared by terrorist groups.
What can attract a young person into radicalisation?
Young people can be attracted into radicalisation due to:-
- Charismatic/confident individuals (recruiters)
- Networks/Sense of belonging
- Broader community views
- Persuasive, clear messages
- Exploiting knowledge gaps
Factors which increase or decrease the risk that a young person may be subject to radicalisation can be found here.
What should you do if you think a young person is in danger of radicalisation?
Some young people will be vulnerable to radicalisation in the same way as they are vulnerable to grooming – see Child Sexual Exploitation and Grooming. The grooming of children for the purposes of involvement in extremist activity is child abuse.
Radicalisation is safeguarding issue so young people should be referred as with any other concern – see Child Protection. An outward expression of faith, in the absence of any other indicators of vulnerability, is not a reason to make a referral.
What support is available for young people who are in danger of being radicalised?
The government runs a scheme called Channel for those who are at risk of radicalisation. It focuses on providing support at an early stage and participation is voluntary.
Where can I find out more?
The government has launched the Educate Against Hate website.
The site brings together the best advice, support and resources available for parents, teachers and school leaders who want to learn how to protect young people from extremism and radicalisation, and is the result of successful collaboration between the Department for Education, the Home Office, the NSPCC, Internet Matters, Childnet, ParentZone, UK Internet Safety Centre, and the many other organisations who have contributed resources.
What happens when a child is referred to children’s social care due to concerns over radicalisation?
When an individual or agency contacts LA children’s social care regarding a child or young person who they identify as being at risk of, or as being, radicalised, LA children’s social care will assess whether the information supplied indicates a risk of radicalisation. Where the information supplied clearly doesn’t indicate risk factors, the person or agency who made contact will be informed of this and why. If no further information of risk is supplied and there are no other concerns for the child or young person, no further action will be taken.
Where radicalisation is identified as a potential risk, LA children’s social care will carry out an assessment under section 17 of the Children’s Act 1989 to identify the child’s level of risk and need for service provision and will advise the referrer of the outcome of this assessment:
• The assessment may identify the child to be at risk of significant harm and in need of protection. This may necessitate a child protection enquiry under section 47 of the Children Act 1989; or
• The assessment may indicate that the child is in need and that services are needed prevent impairment to their health and development
• Where no concerns are identified, there will be no further action by children’s social care but the child may require early help or universal services. In these cases, LA children’s social care will advise the referrer verbally and in writing as to why the agency is to take this position