Urgent warning to parents over fears their kids could be radicalised during summer holidays
PARENTS should beware of their kids being radicalised during the summer holidays, as police have warned.
In a stark warning, Met Police have told parents that young people could be more likely to fall prey to extremist ideas during the long school holidays when they spend more time alone and online.
This summer, the London force are encouraging family and friends to beware of the tell-tale signs that their child is being radicalised.
Clues might include children being secretive about who they are speaking to or becoming less tolerant of other people's views for example.
The then pointed parents in the direction of helplines and information to support their kids showing these signs.
Unfortunately, the stark call follows a recent rise in the number of young people being investigated for terrorism offences.
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But as a third of these referrals typically come from teachers and school staff every year, the summer holidays are the prime time for radicalisation to go unnoticed.
Children have far more freedom to spend hours online in the next few weeks - without the watchful supervision of a parent or guardian.
On their own, these kids could be vulnerable to stumbling across and absorbing extremist material.
To tackle terrorism, the government-led programme is working with police and other safeguarding agencies.
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Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, London Prevent co-ordinator, said: “The causes of radicalisation are complex and varied, and it can occur suddenly and quickly. Extremist material found online is often a common factor.
“This is part of the reason why we are renewing calls for parents and carers to be aware of the signs of radicalisation, and act early if they see any concerning behaviour.
“It could be that a young person is becoming less tolerant of other people’s views, or they are secretive about who they are speaking to. If you have concerns about someone, contact the .
“This is about seeking help early to divert vulnerable people away from a path which often leads to entrenched extremist views that can result in terrorism or other crime.”
THE SIGNS OF RADICALISATION
Watch out for these key indicators of radicalisation in your child, as listed by ACT:
- Are they becoming increasingly isolated from family and friends?
- Do you feel like they are talking as if from a script?
- Are they unwilling to engage with you about their views?
- Are they becoming intolerant of other people's views?
- Are they becoming increasingly angry about issues or events they feel are unfair or unjust?
- Are they being secretive about who they are meeting online or in person?
In most cases, says, these signs won’t be linked to radicalisation and there will be other explanations for your teen’s behaviour.
Talk to them to find out what could be causing them to react in this way, but don’t ignore behaviours you are concerned about.
One woman, whose teenage foster son was referred to Prevent, said: “I was kept in the loop and I really appreciated the feedback which remained confidential between us.
“Overall, I think the Prevent process was positive for my foster child as it has a therapeutic premise and helped them to organise their thoughts around what they actually wanted from the internet and why they were seeking support from the internet.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We know that uncertainty and hardship can create fertile breeding grounds for hatred and division as extremists take the opportunity to prey on the vulnerable.
“With the growing cost of living crisis and especially during the summer when schools are closed and young people spend more time online, I worry that extremists are using this period to promote hate and conspiracy theories on social media.
“We’ve seen a record number of children being arrested recently for Terrorism Act offences and that’s why it’s so important for friends and family to act on any signs that their children may be being radicalised.
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“I am committed to working closely with our police and grassroot community groups through my shared endeavour fund to ensure we do everything to counter extremism for our most vulnerable.
"That includes making sure young Londoners are able to engage in positive activities and programmes which strengthen our communities against extremism and the vile ideologies which seek to divide us.”
HOW TO REPORT SIGNS OF RADICALISATION
ACTION COUNTERS TERRORISM
If you are worried about someone, then visit the ACT Early or call the Act Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to speak with specially trained officers.
The line is open every day between 09:00hrs and 17:00hrs, but calls outside of these hours will be transferred to specialist Counter Terrorism officers.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Extreme online content can be reported , or via the iREPORTit app.
