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Prevent

What is Radicalisation?

Radicalisation means someone is being encouraged to develop extreme views or beliefs in support of terrorist groups and activities. There are different types of terrorism.

Spotting the signs of radicalisation

Radicalisation can be really difficult to spot. Signs that may indicate a child in being radicalised include:

  • isolating themselves from family and friends
  • talking as if from a scripted speech
  • unwillingness or inability to discuss their views
  • a sudden disrespectful attitude towards others
  • increased levels of anger
  • increased secretiveness, especially around internet use

However, these signs don’t necessarily mean a child is being radicalised – it may be normal teenage behaviour or a sign that something else is wrong.

Children who are at risk of radicalisation may have low self-esteem, or be victims of bullying or discrimination. Extremists might target them and tell them they can be part of something special, later brainwashing them into cutting themselves off from their friends and family

What is meant by the Prevent duty?

The Prevent duty requires all education providers ‘to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’. This includes safeguarding children, young people and adult learners from extremist ideologies and radicalisation

Working with other organisations, the police protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists through a Home Office programme called Prevent. The role of  Prevent Officers is to help people vulnerable to radicalisation move away from extremism. It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others.

The earlier you share your worries, the quicker we can get the person you care about the help they need to protect them from being groomed and radicalised.

You can call the national police Prevent advice line/ ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with specially trained officers. The support line is available every day 9.00am – 5.00pm, calls outside of these hours will be transferred to specialist Counter Terrorism officers.

If it’s an emergency, please call 999

Helpful information and support

Counter Terrorism PolicingCounter Terrorism Policing

The cooperation between the public and police is a powerful defence. Find out more about how you can report the threat of terrorism and extremism.

ACTAction Counters Terrorism (ACT)

Have you seen or heard something that doesn’t feel right and may be terrorism related? Report it online instantly and anonymously.

https://act.campaign.gov.uk

ACTSpot the signs of radicalisation

What to look for.

https://actearly.uk/spot-the-signs-of-radicalisation/what-to-look-for

Herts Constabulary - PreventHertfordshire Constabulary – Prevent

Find out how the Prevent team helps stop people from being drawn into terrorism and how you can ask them for help and advice.

www.herts.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/t/prevent/prevent

Educate against hateEducate against hate

Parents’ resources.

www.educateagainsthate.com/parents