Prevent
WHAT IS PREVENT?
The purpose of Prevent is to safeguard people who are at risk of radicalisation and to stop them from being exploited by people who would want them to support terrorism. It is also about building resilience in communities through a variety of projects and civil society organisations.
The Prevent programme uses early intervention to protect individuals and communities from the harms of terrorism. Prevent works in a similar way to programmes designed to safeguard people from other harms such as gangs, drug abuse, and physical and sexual abuse, by tackling the underlying causes of radicalisation. Intervention support for vulnerable individuals is both confidential and voluntary. Prevent is delivered through a wide network of partners within communities, civil society organisations and public-sector institutions.
Prevent work also extends to supporting the rehabilitation and disengagement of those already involved in terrorism through the Desistance and Disengagement Programme. This programme is a new element of Prevent that provides a range of intensive tailored interventions and practical support, designed to tackle the drivers of radicalisation. Support could include mentoring, psychological support, theological and ideological advice.
PREVENT IS:
- An extension of existing multi-agency safeguarding principles
- Working with communities and local civil society to build resilience to terrorist narratives
- Promoting debate in schools and universities
- Tackling terrorism in all its forms
PREVENT IS NOT:
- A spying mechanism
- Focussed on any particular religion or ethnicity
- Stifling free speech in higher education
Extremist groups use the internet and social media to spread their ideology and recruit vulnerable young people. They know young people are using the internet much more, quite often by themselves, and so utilise these opportunities to exploit and recruit. There is a chance that your child may meet people online, or visit websites that could lead them to adopting what are considered extreme views and become radicalised. Whether you’d like to protect your child from being radicalised or you are concerned that they may be at risk, navigate our guidance below to get expert tips on practical ways you can support them and where you can go for further support.
Key terms
Extremism – Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Terrorism – A violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause.
Radicalisation – The process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism.
Why do young people become radicalised?
The reasons for young people being drawn into extremist views are many and varied but may include the following:
- They are trying to make sense of world events.
- They feel that their culture or religion is under threat.
- It makes them feel a sense of identity or belonging or being part of something.
- They are looking for adventure or excitement.
- They have a personal grievance or experience of racism or discrimination and feel they want to change things.
- They are under pressure from their peers who have links with these groups.
How are young people radicalised?
Young people may come into contact with adults and peers with extremist views both online and in everyday life. The person may be a friend or relative or may be a stranger they meet online.
Contact online may be through social media such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube but young people may be invited to join discussions on less well-known sites such as Kik, Whisper, Messenger, Yik Yak or Telegram. Extremists often use these sites because they are harder to monitor and they can hide their identity. Extremists often manipulate young people by using emotional triggers to engage with them, and may target them when they are experiencing difficulties such as bereavement, emotional trauma, mental health issues or social isolation.
How can parents keep young people safe?
- Make sure you know where your child is and who they are with; find out about your child’s friends and their families.
- Be aware of your child’s online activity and check which social media sites they are visiting; report any sites that you have concerns about.
- Talk to your child about their lives and their interests; encourage them to take up positive activities with local groups that you trust.
- Help your child to be critically aware of what they see on the TV or the internet; encourage them to see different points of view and help them to develop tolerance for others.
- Remind your child that people they contact over the internet may not be telling them the whole truth and may not inform them of any potential dangers. If they are being asked to keep something secret then they may be at risk of harm.
- Get help from other members of your family or community that your child looks up to.
What can I do if I have a concern?
If you are worried about your child or have concerns that your child may be being radicalised then you can contact:
Your child’s school by speaking to their teacher or the designated safeguarding lead.
Your local Prevent team by emailing: niall.markham@walsall.gov.uk or prevent@walsall.gov.uk.
All professionals will work together with you and your child to see what support can be offered to protect your child from radicalisation and the associated risks.
Where else can I find support?
Educate against hate www.educateagainsthate.com
ThinkUKnow www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents
NSPCC Talking to children about terrorism www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/dedicated-helplines/protecting-children-from-radicalisation/
Parentzone www.parents.parentzone.org.uk
BBC Newsround www.bbc.co.uk/newsround
Simple Politics www.simplepolitics.co.uk