How teachers, parents and carers can spot and prevent online grooming and radicalisation

What is radicalisation and why does it happen?

The Police National Legal Database, on their Ask the Police  website, defines radicalisation as 'the process whereby an individual adopts extreme religious, social or political ideals'.

Radicalisation usually happens under two conditions. Firstly, there has to be a person or group that holds a specific point of view and wants to recruit people to support them or take action on their behalf. 

Secondly, the individuals being targeted will often share common characteristics or circumstances. One consistent factor is that the individual has some form of vulnerability, such as a mental illness or unmet psychological needs for belonging or status, that can be exploited by those trying to radicalise them.

What is 'online grooming' and does it follows a similar pattern to radicalisation?

Children’s charity the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children  (NSPCC) defines grooming as 'when someone builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or trafficking'.

The objectives are different, but the process is similar to radicalisation. The exploitation of a person’s vulnerability is usually the most important factor. Those who are targeted are often offered something ideological, such as an eternal spiritual reward, or sometimes something physical, such as an economic incentive, that will make them feel better about themselves or their situation.

Who is most at risk of becoming a target?

Anyone can be at risk. Age, social standing and education do not matter as much as we previously thought. We have seen all kinds of people become radicalised, from young men and women with learning difficulties to adults in well-respected professions.

What is clear is that, the more vulnerable the person, the easier it is to influence their way of thinking

How is the web being used to groom and radicalise people?

There is no real offline world anymore. We don’t go online, we are online. Technology is now an extension of almost everything we do, and that has given people who want to radicalise and groom others an avenue for communication and a level of influence that was not present before.

It has also provided perpetrators with unique advantages. They can contact a target any time of the day or night, and stream propaganda directly to them. Ideas can now be spread at the touch of a button and with very little technical knowledge. A smartphone and a social media platform are all that are required to start to propagate dangerous ideas and information with zero cost.

People who groom and radicalise also use the anonymity of the web as a layer of protection to avoid detection. The added ability to encrypt communication can make law enforcement extremely difficult.

How has the rise of social media contributed to the risk?

The online world has also made it easier to identify those who could be influenced and radicalised. Social media platforms are full of groups of people looking for help and support, and those looking to exploit this can easily join these groups and befriend a vulnerable person.

Offers of support, friendship and belonging are all used to gain influence and control, so it’s important to be alert. Despite the best efforts of social media providers and platforms, the sheer volume of web traffic means that questionable content can be uploaded and distributed for a long time before being detected and removed.

It’s important to remember that social media goes beyond the big players such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Any platform that allows two-way communication can be used to groom and radicalise.

For example, gaming sites can be targeted. Many online games such as first-person shooters have a voice chat facility, allowing users talk to each other directly – both adults and children – often via headsets. This can be extremely difficult to combat, as it would require a moderator or a parent to listen to every game being played. 

Music platforms and internet radio can also expose us to risk. Almost anyone can set up an internet radio station with very little technical skill, and use it to promote an ideology or agenda.

How would I know that someone is being groomed or radicalised? What are the warning signs?

There is no definitive list of clues or signs. A change in the person’s behaviour is likely. Some things to look out for include (but are not limited to): isolating themselves from family and friends; becoming secretive and not wanting to talk or discuss their views; closing computers down when others are around; refusing to say who they are talking to; using technology such as anonymous browsing to hide their activity; and sudden changes in mood, such as becoming angry or disrespectful.

Of course, none of these behaviours necessarily mean someone is being radicalised and, when displayed in children, could be a symptom of bullying or other emotional issues. 

What should I do if someone I know is talking to an unsafe person?

It is important to reassure the person you are concerned for that they can trust you and that you are there to listen and support them. When we speak to children we talk about finding a 'trusted adult'. Trusted doesn't necessarily mean a police officer or a teacher, but preferably someone whom that person can talk to in a free and uninhibited way – someone who can support them and guide them.

Parents want nothing but the best for their children, but sometimes they can’t be that 'trusted adult'. Children don't want to let their parents down, or may worry that they might be punished in some way – perhaps by having their internet access cut off – and so will sometimes not confide in their parents. 

Many of us – and particularly young people – use the internet every day. The risk of losing that connectivity can be a real barrier to them coming forward and telling someone what is happening to them.

When a child discloses to you that they are in potential danger, or that something has already happened to them, the natural reaction is to want to solve the situation immediately. This can sometimes lead to parents and guardians taking phones, computers and access privileges away. In doing this, we are in effect punishing the child for having the confidence to come and talk to us about what is going on.

It’s easier said than done, but the key is to remain calm, listen to the child and understand what has happened, or is happening, to them. Once all the facts are known, you can together work out how you are going to deal with the situation.

Trust is also crucial when it comes to helping adults – although it can be more difficult to cultivate. Signposting people to counselling and support groups, where they can talk openly and honestly without judgement, can be an important first step.

What can I do to prevent someone being groomed or radicalised?

It all starts with education. From an early age, people need to be equipped with the skills and confidence to engage with the digital world safely, and to know where to go for help when things go wrong. 

This involves being willing to tackle and embrace difficult conversations appropriate to different age groups. 

It can be challenging to keep up to date, but it is our responsibility as parents and guardians to ensure we keep up to date with technology and understand how it changes. We also need to educate ourselves about the online world and the issues that children, young people and vulnerable adults may be faced with online. 

That can be as simple as spending time with a young person and playing and using some of the games and social media platforms they love. Getting to know games like Fortnite or Fifa, and platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, may not be the most appealing prospect, but we will begin to understand what they are doing online and the potential dangers. More importantly, we can start to build their trust.

While children may be fearless when it comes to technology, they are still children and lack the cognitive ability to appreciate risk. Adults should not confuse a child’s apparent 'confidence' with an innate 'capability'. It's important for parents and guardians to find ways to build trust with their child, so that they feel safe to turn to an adult if they are in trouble or need help.

What resources are available to help people stay safe online?

Common Sense Media ’s website reviews games, books, films and music and all sorts of digital content. Children and young people adopt new games and social media platforms rapidly, and this resource is a fantastic way to keep up to date.

Our resource, the UK Safer Internet Centre , combines three of the best online safety charities under one roof. Our website is packed with tips and hints, which are especially useful for professionals working with children and young people. 

Educate Against Hate  is a website specially designed for professionals working with children and young people. 

Understanding what digital skills children should have is important. UKCIS released a competency framework, Education in a Connected World , in 2018 that describes these for children aged five to 18. 

The NSPCC  website also has some great articles and advice on everything from online bullying to grooming and radicalisation of young people.