1 Extremism and radicalisation
What is extremism?
Extremism, in a political or religious sense, is used to describe an ideology that is considered by most people to be far outside acceptable, mainstream attitudes of society.
What is radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the process by which an individual or group adopts extreme political, social or religious views. People can ‘self-radicalise’, by reading or listening to extremist literature or speakers. More commonly, there may be an individual or group actively seeking to persuade others to adopt their views. This process of persuasion or coercion is known as radicalisation.
If a person or group decides that fear, terror and violence are justified to try to achieve radical ideological, political or social change, and then acts accordingly, this may be considered violent extremism or terrorism.
2 Factors that can lead to radicalisation
There are no typical indicators of what the radicalisation process looks like. It will be different for each person depending on various factors. Often radicalisation occurs when individuals’ vulnerabilities are exploited.
Both adults and children can become vulnerable or susceptible to radicalisation for many different reasons, including:
- a sense of social isolation
- low self esteem
- feeling rejected by their peers, faith, social group or family
- pressure from peers associated with extremism
- being a victim or witness to hate crime, incident or bullying
- conflict with family or friends over views on society or possibly interpretation of faith
- conflict with family or friends over lifestyle choices or extreme political views
- identity confusion
- an event or series of traumatic events – personal, national or global
- a feeling that an element of their identity is under threat or treated unjustly
3 Spotting the signs of radicalisation
Signs that someone is being radicalised may be (but are not limited to):
- isolation or withdrawal from family or friends
- obsession with and secrecy around the internet or social networking sites
- becoming uncooperative or disengaged
- using language that is:
- abusive
- aggressive
- extremist in its views or comments
- threatening
- fascination or fixation with:
- weapons
- chemicals
- explosives
- extremist activity or events
- significant changes in relationships
- the use of seemingly scripted speech
- change in behaviour or appearance due to new influences
- seeking to recruit or ‘groom’ others to an extremist ideology
- possession of violent extremist literature
4 The Prevent strategy
The Prevent programme in West Sussex helps protect people and communities from the threat of radicalisation, extremism and terrorism. It covers all types of extremism, including groups that encourage hatred or violence based on race or religion, violent extremist groups and other groups that support harmful actions.
Prevent focuses on helping people early, before they become involved in illegal activity. It aims to stop people from supporting or taking part in extremism or terrorism.
Prevent does not punish people for having different opinions or beliefs. Instead, it helps stop people from being influenced by ideas that could lead to violence or encourage others to be violent.
Violent extremism can affect any community. People from any background can become vulnerable to extremist views if they face certain challenges or pressures in their lives.
Like many areas of the UK, Sussex has seen people arrested for terrorist offences. These include supporting banned terrorist groups and travelling abroad to join terrorist organisations.
We have also seen stickers, leaflets and graffiti that promote harmful and divisive extremist messages. Some people in Sussex have been influenced by extremist groups and harmful content online.
People who may be at risk of radicalisation can be referred to the West Sussex Channel programme. Channel is a national programme that provides support at a local level.
Channel is a voluntary programme. It helps people who are at risk of being drawn into extremism or terrorism, as well as those who have already started to engage with extremist ideas or activities. It provides a support package tailored to the individual’s needs. You can find further information using these links:
- West Sussex Safeguarding Children Board
- West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board
- Prevent duty guidance (GOV.UK)
Responsible use of community spaces
Community centres, schools, libraries, places of worship and other public spaces help bring people together. They support learning, encourage people to share ideas and help build strong, welcoming communities.
Organisations that manage these spaces must make sure people do not use them to promote harmful extremist views or activities.
Some organisations have a legal duty under the Prevent Duty, which is part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. This means they must help stop people from being drawn into terrorism.
These organisations include:
- local councils
- schools, colleges and universities
- NHS organisations
- police services
- prisons and probation services
These organisations should have processes in place to:
- check if events, speakers and activities are suitable
- manage risks linked to hiring out venues and using external speakers
- create safe, welcoming and respectful environments
- support free speech while preventing extremism, illegal hate speech and the encouragement of terrorism
Our venue hire guidance below gives practical advice on how to manage venue bookings and reduce safeguarding risks. It helps organisations create safe and welcoming spaces where people can come together, share ideas and take part in respectful discussion.
For further information, email the Resilient Communities Development Team at prevent@westsussex.gov.uk.
5 Reporting concerns
If you become aware of anyone you feel is vulnerable to radicalisation, or suspect someone is being radicalised or encouraged to support terrorism, please share these concerns. Also, please share your concerns if you or another person are experiencing pressure from others about supporting extremism or terrorism.
By talking to someone in confidence, you can get support for that person - which could prevent them doing something that could harm themselves or others.
If you or someone else is in imminent danger or at risk of self-harm, phone the police on 999, or call them on 101 if it is less urgent.
If your concern is not immediate then you can use one of the online forms listed below.
The concern is for myself
You can call the ACT Early support line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with specially trained officers, or visit the ACT Early website.
The concern is for someone else (for example a relative, partner, friend or neighbour)
You can call the ACT Early support line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with specially trained officers, or visit the ACT Early website.
I am a professional making a referral (for example a care provider, educator, social worker)
Professionals can refer individuals for support via the National Prevent Referral Form.
Professionals can get more information about making a referral from:
Advice in West Sussex
Sussex Police Prevent Team can also provide advice, support and explain how to make any referrals that may be appropriate.
Sussex Police Prevent Team
- Email: SussexPrevent@thamesvalley.police.uk
- Phone: 101 and ask for the Prevent Team.
Reporting terrorism
We can all act on our instincts to help tackle the terrorist threat. You shouldn’t be concerned about wasting police time or getting someone into trouble. If you are concerned that something doesn't seem right, don’t worry, don’t delay, just act.
Report suspected terrorism (GOV.UK) (external link)The government have set up a dedicated Standards and Compliance Unit, answerable to ministers, which can process and investigate complaints about Prevent.
Make a complaint about Prevent (GOV.UK) (external link)6 Further information and reading
Key Government information
- ACT Early
- Proscribed groups
- Prevent duty guidance for higher education
- Government policy paper 2010-15: counter-terrorism
- Counter-terrorism strategy 2023
- Prevent duty guidance
- The Prevent Duty - Departmental advice for schools and childcare providers
- Security Service threat levels from M15
Information about online radicalisation
- Childnet - Making the internet safe for children and young people.
- NSPCC - keeping children safe online.
- Internet Matters - Radicalisation - Advice on helping to prevent children becoming radicalised online.
- Safer Internet Centre - Advice for professionals talking to young people about extremism online.
Resources for young people
- Your Space - Information for younger people about radicalisation and extremism.
- Family Lives - Advice if you are worried your teen is at risk of extremism or radicalisation.
- Extreme Dialogue - Aims to reduce the appeal of extremism among young people and offer a positive alternative to extremist material and propaganda.
- Educate against hate - Gives parents and school staff practical advice on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.
- Be Internet Citizens - Be Internet Citizens has been designed to teach teenagers about media literacy, critical thinking and digital citizenship, with the aim of encouraging young people to have a positive voice online.
- NSPCC - Radicalisation - Support, training and resources to help fight radicalisation.
- Parentzone - A number of free resources for young people, such as ‘Be Internet Legends’, which is aimed at exploring online safety with 7-11 year olds.
- SWGfL - How to protect children from online extremism.
- Since 9/11 - Resources to support discussions with young people.
Relevant resources
- Sussex Police - Advice and contact details regarding the Prevent agenda and terrorism.
- Hope not hate - Includes lots of up to date information and research on extreme movements.
- International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence - Range of research aimed at educating to find solutions in dealing with radicalisation and political violence.
- Tony Blair Institute for Global Change - Free resources on radicalisation and how to engage with young people about sensitive topics.
- UNESCO - Preventing violent extremism - Information provided by UNESCO about violent extremism.
- Full Fact - A fact checking organisation.
- SEND Guidance - Educate Against Hate - Guidance supporting parents, schools and education settings to build resilience to extremism for children and young people with SEND.