What to do if you think your child is being radicalised
The spread of misinformation and dangerous content across social media has become a major concern across the world, and children are particularly vulnerable to being influenced online.
In an effort to protect children more online, a number of countries are considering, or have already implemented, laws and regulations to hold social media platforms accountable for hosting content that could be potentially harmful.
In the UK, the Online Safety Act 2023 requires platforms to prevent children from accessing "harmful and age-inappropriate content", as well as provide parents and children with "clear and accessible ways to report problems online".
However, there are still concerns that children are vulnerable to being radicalised online. Last December, Five Eyes security chiefs issued a warning about terrorist radicalisation of children online, calling for a "whole society response".
It came after figures showed a record 3,026 UK children under the age of 15, including nearly 300 children under the age of 10, were referred to the government’s Prevent programme over the last year alone.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes, who is also the UK’s head of counter-terrorism, warned that the internet has "globalised extremism, accelerated the spread of hateful ideologies internationally, and made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to reach into the lives of children halfway round the world".
In a recent statement, issued in response to the murders of three young girls in Southport that took place on 29 July 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that the face of terrorism is changing, with young men in particular being more vulnerable to being radicalised online.
He said that, alongside the threat from highly organised terrorist groups, there has been a rise in "acts of extreme violence perpetrated by loners, misfits, young men in their bedroom, accessing all manner of material online".
With so many parents worried about what their children are being exposed to online, we look to experts at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Educate Against Hate about what you can do and how to seek help if you think your child is being radicalised.
Signs your child may be exposed to radicalisation
The NSPCC says that children can be exposed to different views and receive information from a number of sources both online and offline. Some of these may be considered radical, misleading, or extreme.
Some of the signs of radicalisation that the NSPCC highlights include:
Isolating themselves from family and friends
Unwillingness or inability to discuss their views
Increased levels of anger
Talking as if from a scripted speech
Sudden disrespectful attitude towards others
Increased secretiveness, especially around internet use
Some children may be at higher risk of radicalisation than others. They may have low self-esteem, or be victims of bullying and discrimination, making them easier targets by extremists who may tell them they can be part of something special.
However, the NSPCC reassures parents that these signs don’t always mean a child is being radicalised. It may be normal teenage behaviour or a sign that something else is wrong.
"We understand how difficult it can be if you are worried that your child might be experiencing radicalisation, and it is crucial that we recognise that it is a form of exploitation which can have a significant impact upon children and their future," the NSPCC says.
"A common feature of radicalisation is that the child or young person may not recognise what is happening and do not see themselves as a victim of grooming or exploitation.
"This is why it is so important that parents, carers, and other adults in their lives speak up if they notice changes in behaviour or that a child is talking about dangerous or extreme views. The sooner professionals know, the sooner they can help you and the child you are worried about."
What to do if you think your child is being radicalised
If you see signs that are cause for concern, it’s a good idea to speak to your child first to try and gauge what they’re going through.
"We don’t always know what our children are exposed to, so it is important to listen to what they tell us, look out for changes in their behaviour, and talk to them if we think something is wrong," the NSPCC tells Yahoo UK.
However, you may want to speak to someone else about what to do, as it can be difficult. It’s not always easy to identify when it might be occurring.
The NSPCC Helpline is available for concerned parents to call, even if you’re unsure. A trained Child Protection Specialist will be able to talk to you about your worries, give you advice to help you support your child, and if needed, will make a referral to other professionals for you.
According to Educate Against Hate, there are some additional steps you can take to get help and advice. You can raise the issue with your child’s teachers, a friend or a close family member and explain your worries, as hearing another perspective may help you decide if something really is wrong.
Your local police force or local authority can also provide advice and support. If your child has not committed a criminal offence, this will not get them into any trouble - instead, you will be able to discuss your concerns and learn about how to best protect your child.
If a child or young person is worried about their own or someone else’s views, they can get in touch with Childline for support.
The NSPCC Helpline can be contacted on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk. Childline is available on 0800 1111, or online at childline.org.uk.
Read more about parenting:
When should children be on social media? Penelope Cruz brands it a 'cruel experiment' (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
Online safety rules don’t go far enough, bereaved parents say (PA Media, 6-min read)
1 in 4 parents unaware if children are accessing anonymous chat rooms (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
