Young people, including those who are often otherwise well-behaved, high achievers at school, can be drawn towards extremism in similar ways as those who are persuaded to expose themselves to other risks, such as joining gangs and online grooming. Radicalisation happens both online and in person.
Recruiters will hide their true intentions and may spend a long time gaining a young person's trust. This may be achieved through the young person:
• searching for answers to questions about their identity, wanting to belong or to deepen their faith.
• maybe feeling isolated, lonely and searching to connect with somebody who understands them.
• being driven by the desire for ‘adventure’ and excitement or a sense of belonging.
• being driven by a need to feel better in themselves and promote their ‘street cred’.
• being drawn to a group or an individual who can offer them a sense of identity,
a social network and who seem to offer them support. Young people who already have contacts, such as friends or family who are already involved in extremism may be especially vulnerable.
• Having personal experiences of racism or discrimination that fuel a sense of grievance, or being influenced by world events which result in them needing to feel they want to make a change or difference in the world.
Most people do not go all the way to becoming violent extremists. Something or someone might intervene during the radicalisation process, or interrupt it altogether. That way the person does not get to the point of threatening or using violence, and may eventually reject their radical ideas. The active involvement of families, friends and the community in this process is very important
It is not easy to be a parent these days. We love our children and we willingly sacrifice our time, energy and money for their well being and safety. But even with the best intentions many parents can feel quite overwhelmed by all the external forces faced by children in today's society and in particular, children can be most challenging as they enter their adolescence years. This is a time when young people begin to assert their independence and find their own identity and many experience behavioural changes that can often seem confusing and unpredictable to parents.
Therefore maintaining a positive relationship can sometimes be difficult as children grow and develop and seek something different from their own family.
Despite being in the headlines on a regular basis, many parents still struggle to fully understand what radicalisation is, the effects it has on their children and how to prevent and deal with it in the best way. Some parents wonder if their worries are justified or if their child’s behaviour is really a concern. It is important to be able to trust somebody in a safe, confidential environment in order to air your worries and work through the issues you may be facing. That’s why Families For Life™ is here to listen. We know first hand the wave of emotions parents often experience from fear, shame, and despair. Contacting Families for Life™ can be the first step in getting the help or reassurance you need.
If someone is exhibiting one or more potential signs it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are definitely being subjected to radicalisation. However, it is important to use and respond to your natural instinct as a parent – Do not be complacent. If you feel that something has changed such as secretive behaviour act on this instinct to find out what has changed and why.
So what can parents do?
Individuals can be drawn into radicalisation by a number of ways and there is no single size that fits all. However there are some common elements in the experience of most people being radicalised. It must be remembered that just because a person may display one or two of the signs, it does not necessarily mean the person is being radicalised. It is important that a common sense approach is adopted, whereby their circumstances and environment should also be taken into account. If there is a valid alternative explanation for the changes in behaviour, these changes should not be considered a sign of radicalisation.
There are no typical characteristics of a person at risk. However, a sudden change in behaviour could be a potential indicator. Sometimes those at risk may be encouraged by the people they are in contact with not to draw attention to themselves. Parents are encouraged to enquire about their children’s well being if they feel there is a change in their behaviour, In particular, when you observe:
It is not easy to be a parent these days. We love our children and we willingly sacrifice our time, energy and money for their well being and safety. But even with the best intentions many parents can feel quite overwhelmed by all the external forces faced by children in today's society and in particular, children can be most challenging as they enter their adolescence years. This is a time when young people begin to assert their independence and find their own identity and many experience behavioural changes that can often seem confusing and unpredictable to parents.
Therefore maintaining a positive relationship can sometimes be difficult as children grow and develop and seek something different from their own family.
Despite being in the headlines on a regular basis, many parents still struggle to fully understand what radicalisation is, the effects it has on their children and how to prevent and deal with it in the best way. Some parents wonder if their worries are justified or if their child’s behaviour is really a concern. It is important to be able to trust somebody in a safe, confidential environment in order to air your worries and work through the issues you may be facing. That’s why Families For Life™ is here to listen. We know first hand the wave of emotions parents often experience from fear, shame, and despair. Contacting Families for Life™ can be the first step in getting the help or reassurance you need.
If someone is exhibiting one or more potential signs it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are definitely being subjected to radicalisation. However, it is important to use and respond to your natural instinct as a parent – Do not be complacent. If you feel that something has changed such as secretive behaviour act on this instinct to find out what has changed and why.
So what can parents do?