Preventing Radicalisation

In the UK, the Prevent strategy works to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist ideas. It promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Schools help teach and model these values so children develop resilience and are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

The Prevent Duty requires schools to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This means staying alert to risks, responding swiftly to concerns and helping pupils build the knowledge and critical thinking skills to recognise and reject extremist influences. Protecting children from radicalisation is a safeguarding responsibility, just like protecting them from any other harm.

Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support terrorism or extremist ideologies. This definition is set out in the UK Government’s Prevent Duty Guidance, which explains that radicalisation involves someone being influenced to adopt harmful beliefs linked to extremist or terrorist groups.

Extremism, according to the UK Government, is “the support or promotion of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to deny or destroy the rights and freedoms of others or undermine the UK’s democratic system”. Extremism can include vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. 

Both extremism and radicalisation can affect children and young people, especially when they are exposed to harmful ideas online, through social media or within their community. As a school, we recognise that protecting pupils from these risks is a key part of our safeguarding responsibilities.

While there is no single sign that a child is at risk of radicalisation, certain changes in behaviour may raise concerns. These indicators do not necessarily mean a child is being radicalised, but they may suggest that further support is needed. Staff remain alert to signs such as:

• Sympathy for extremist views
• Glorifying violence or hostility towards other groups
• Talking about attending extremist events
• Possessing extremist or illegal materials
• Sharing messages linked to extremist groups
• Sudden changes in dress, behaviour or friendships
• Secretive behaviour
• Searching for or sharing extremist content online
• Intolerance of others’ beliefs or identities
• Work or writing containing extremist ideas
• Trying to impose extremist views
• Advocating violence

The internet gives children access to a wide range of information and communication, but some online content can be harmful. Extremist groups sometimes use websites, videos, games and social media to spread their views and target vulnerable people, so we stay alert to the online risks our pupils may encounter.

At Fishponds CE Primary, we treat exploitation and radicalisation as safeguarding concerns. We teach pupils how to stay safe online, recognise unsafe content and talk to a trusted adult if something worries them.

We also work hard to create a strong sense of belonging. When children feel valued and connected, they are less vulnerable to harmful influences. Our core Christian values help ensure every pupil and family feels part of our Fishponds community as we support children to grow into confident and resilient young people.