Signs of radicalisation in a teen: do you know the indicators?

We understand how hard it is if you’re worried your child may be at risk of radicalisation, but we are here to listen and can help. By reaching out early for support and advice, you can help protect your child before their extreme views become more of a danger to themselves or others.

It can be difficult to spot some of the signs in children and younger people. This is because they are often associated with ‘typical teenage behaviour,’ which is why it’s important to consider the intensity of the behaviour you are noticing rather than any one sign.

What could make my child vulnerable to radicalisation?

There are many reasons that can make a young person vulnerable to exploitation by extremists. This includes having a low self-esteem or a lack of belonging, or if they have been the victim of bullying or discrimination, which has left them feeling isolated.

Radicalisation can take place online, or face to face by someone they know including friends and family, or by contact with extremist groups. Sometimes curiosity can lead children or teenagers to seek out the groups themselves, or research information they feel supports their views.

Some key indicators of radicalisation to watch out for in your child are:

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 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. Don’t ignore behaviours you are concerned about.

Acting early can protect your child from extremism

Parents and family members are best placed to notice any small changes taking place and so it’s important to trust your instincts and if you’re worried, reach out for advice.

If you think it, tell someone. It’s probably nothing, but it could be something. By acting early you can get your child the help and support they might need to choose a new pathway before it’s too late.

Helping all parents understand the risks

We partnered with the UK’s largest parenting site Netmums’ to help parents understand why they need to have radicalisation on their radar and how to make their child more resilient. To check out the four information guides click below.

Go to Netmum's website

Frequently asked questions

What can I do if someone is being radicalised?

Act early and share your concerns so the person can get the support they need. Call the national police Prevent advice line on 0800 011 3764 or speak to your GP, school or local authority.

What are the warning signs of radicalisation?

There is no single route to radicalisation. More than any one specific sign is the feeling that something is not right with the person. It can be one sign or a combination of behaviours increasing in intensity.

What if it’s not radicalisation?

Sometimes the behaviour you’re seeing is an indicator of other underlying issues or challenges and not connected to radicalisation. If you’re concerned reach out for support. It may be nothing, but it could be something. Act early and seek advice.

Who else can I speak to apart from the police?

We’re here to listen and to help, but we understand if you don’t want to speak with us directly. If you prefer you can talk to a teacher, a health professional, faith or community group or your local authority. The earlier you share your concerns the quicker the person can get help.

How can extremists use multi-player games to target vulnerable teens?

Radicalisers of all ideologies ‘gamify’ their messages to attract young gamers. They can produce their own games or merge their messaging onto mainstream gaming platforms. Talk to your child to find out who they are connecting with and if you’re worried seek advice.

What parental controls or site blockers can help keep my child safe from online extremism?

Check out Internet Matters. But also talk to your child and ask them who they are connecting with, encourage them not to use headsets when gaming and place family computers downstairs rather than in bedrooms.

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