Radicalisation

Children can be exposed to different views and receive information from various sources. Some of these views may be considered radical or extreme.

Radicalisation is the way a person comes to support or be involved in extremism and terrorism. It’s a gradual process so young people who are affected may not realise what’s happening.

Challenging and tackling extremism is a shared effort (HM Government, 2013). Adults who work or volunteer in organisations have a responsibility to protect children from becoming radicalised and/or being exposed to extreme views.

Radicalisation is a form of harm. The process may involve:

• Being groomed online or in person
• exploitation, including sexual exploitation
• psychological manipulation
• exposure to violent material and other inappropriate information
• risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts.

Vulnerability factors

Anyone can be radicalised, but there are some factors which may make a young person more vulnerable. These include:

• being easily influenced or impressionable
• having low self-esteem or being isolated
• feeling that rejection, discrimination or injustice is taking place in society
• experiencing community tension amongst different groups
• being disrespectful or angry towards family and peers
• having a strong need for acceptance or belonging
• experiencing grief such as loss of a loved one.

However these factors will not always lead to radicalisation.

If you have any concerns about a Harris Sutton student being radicalised, you should contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead. If you think a child or the people around them are involved in radicalisation and there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999 straight away.

Preventing radicalisation

The school has an ethos that challenges intolerant views including extremist or radical attitudes.  There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our Academy, whether from internal sources – students, staff or governors, or external sources - local community, external agencies or individuals. Our students see our Academy as a safe organisation where they can explore issues safely and where our staff encourage and facilitate this – we have a duty to ensure this happens.

Our Academy provides a broad and balanced curriculum, delivered by skilled professionals, so that our students are enriched, understand and become tolerant of difference and diversity and also to ensure that they thrive, feel valued and not marginalized.

For more information please refer to ‘Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Policy’ on the school website

View our Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Policy 2018-19