Latest news with #Prevent
Sky News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Prevent scheme needs to 'rapidly' adapt to online world, review finds after failures in Southport case
The Prevent scheme needs to "rapidly" adapt to the online world "where so much radicalisation takes place", an independent review has found. The anti-extremism programme has been under increased scrutiny after two recent terror incidents involving Southport attacker Axel Rudakubana and Sir David Amess's killer Ali Harbi Ali damaged its reputation. Lord Anderson KC was appointed as the new independent commissioner for Prevent in January and the long-awaited report into the scheme was published on Wednesday, outlining 10 recommendations to improve the programme. His recommendations can be summarised into five major themes, including adapting to the online world and applying Prevent to people who have no fixed ideology but "a fascination with extreme violence or mass casualty attacks". 4:22 Lord Anderson recommended that "all feasible and right-compliant avenues should be explored as a matter of priority to enable evidence of online activity to be more effectively used". The online behaviours of self-radicalised extremists were "increasingly difficult to detect and interpret". This is because the average age of a person referred to Prevent is now 16, and 40% are aged 11-15, making them "digital natives", Lord Anderson told the Home Affairs select committee on Tuesday. "Wider decisions loom on how Prevent can be better tailored to the online world inhabited by so many of its subjects; how best to deal with those whose ideology amounts to little more than a fascination with extreme violence; and whether Prevent should ultimately be embedded in a more general violence reduction strategy," the report concluded. What is anti-terrorism programme Prevent? The aim of Prevent is to "stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism". The government-led, multi-agency scheme also helps to rehabilitate and disengage those who are already involved in terrorism, and safeguard communities from threats. Referrals to Prevent lead to a "gateway assessment", made by specialist police officers to determine whether there are "reasonable grounds" to suspect the person is "susceptible to becoming a terrorist or supporting terrorism". The individual will then receive tailored support to reduce their susceptibility to being radicalised into terrorism, if appropriate. The Prevent programme has three main aims: • To tackle the ideological causes of terrorism; • Intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation; • Enable people who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate. Additionally, Lord Anderson said he believed Prevent "could work as part of a comprehensive violence prevention and safeguarding strategy" in the longer term. The report recommended that a Cabinet Office task force be set up to explore the possibility of formally connecting Prevent to a broader violence prevention and safeguarding system, as latest figures on Prevent referrals for 2023-24 included in the report show 36% of 6,921 cases were made up of concerns of vulnerability but no ideology or counter-terror risk. The review was launched following the killings by Rudakubana and Ali. Rudakubana, then 17, killed Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in the attack at the Hart Space in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July last year. He pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder in January and was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in jail, with the judge saying it's "highly likely" he will never be released. It was revealed that Rudakubana, now 18, was referred to the government anti-extremism scheme - known as Prevent - three times before the murders due to a fixation with violence. Each time his case was assessed, he was not deemed a terrorism risk, and he has never been subject to a counterterrorism police investigation or declared a subject of interest to MI5. Prevent report puts it simply - too many people slip through the net Social Affairs correspondent @BeckyJohnsonSky Prevent failed - and people died. This is the latest report to highlight the fatal errors made in assessing the risk posed by the Southport attacker and the man who murdered the MP Sir David Amess. Families of the victims are understandably demanding answers. Relatives of the three young girls murdered in Southport last summer are urging the government and the authorities to "do more than simply paying lip service". The report acknowledges that Prevent "lacks teeth". Put simply, too many people slip through the net. Many will be surprised that the Home Office needs to be told that Prevent needs to adapt to the online world. Radicalisation online is not new. We have known for years that worrying numbers of people are viewing graphic content online, disappearing down rabbit holes guided by social media algorithms. Human error plays a part: the murderer of Sir David Amess was "exited" from the programme after he convinced a case worker he did not pose a danger. But in the case of Axel Rudakubana who carried out the Southport murders, three referrals to Prevent led to no action being taken because, despite an obsession with mass killings, he was assessed to not subscribe to one particular ideology. The author of this report is clear that was the wrong decision. The nature of terrorism has changed, he says. It's harder to tell if someone has a terrorist ideology or something else. However, he warns the authorities should stop "fussing about" that - and instead put the safety of the public first. Chris Walker, representing the three bereaved families in the Southport Inquiry, said: "We note the findings of the report pointing to the failings of Prevent in the Southport case, in particular that referrals to other agencies who could have intervened with the defendant were not followed through with. Given the disturbing and violent behaviour exhibited, opportunities to intervene were then lost. "We now turn to the inquiry in establishing the key decisions that were made in this case, who made them and how, if they had not been made, would the results have been different. "We have been clear from the start of the Inquiry process that, as representatives of the bereaved families, real change needs to come in order to prevent other families going through what my clients face." Islamic State (ISIS) supporter Ali was referred to Prevent years before he stabbed Conservative MP Sir David Amess to death during a constituency surgery at a church hall in Leigh-on-Sea in October 2021. His case had been closed five years before, after just one meeting for coffee at a McDonald's to deal with his interpretation of "haram" (forbidden under Islamic law), as well as texts and calls with an "intervention provider". Despite Prevent policy and guidance at the time being "mostly followed", his case was "exited too quickly", security minister Dan Jarvis told the House of Commons in January. Lord Anderson said lessons "must continue to be learned" from the failure to stop both killers. "Prevent failed to provide what might have helped them. Whether different decisions might have spared their victims will never be known: both attacks came years later, and many imponderables intervened," he said. "But wrong decisions were taken; more should have been done; and from these failures, lessons must continue to be learned." Home Secretary Yvette Cooper vowed to "immediately act" on Lord Anderson's findings. She said in a written statement that officials would clarify Prevent thresholds in guidance for frontline workers, who have a duty to refer individuals to Prevent, so they understand that those fascinated with extreme violence or mass casualty attacks should be referred to the counter-terror programme. This work would be completed by the end of September, Ms Cooper added. Sir David's family were left "deeply upset" and "frankly offended" by the way Lord Anderson's report had been handled by the Home Office, said Radd Seiger, the adviser and spokesman for the family. He said the family were given "next to no notice" of the timing or advance sight of the report published on Wednesday, but received a "dismissive" letter from the home secretary, which he said was designed to "protect the government following its failings" and not support them.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Ban social media for kids and give them 'dumbphones' says counter terror expert
Jonathan Hall KC, the UK's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, pointed to the case of a teen who wanted to copy Southport monster Axel Rudakubana and urged ministers to 'be bold' Giving kids "dumbphones" and banning them from social media is the only way to steer them away from extreme violence online, a counter-terror expert has said. Jonathan Hall urged ministers to "be bold" and bring in an Australian-style ban. He warned that age verification and new laws around algorithms will not be enough to stop teenagers like Southport killer Axel Rudakubana. He said in one recent case a teenager "wanted to copy" Rudakubana after being inspired online. Mr Hall, the UK's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation and State Threat Legislation, told LBC children "have got to stop using social media". He said that although the Online Safety Act will achieve "precious little" because of the magnitude of threats kids face online. He said: "They've got to deal with child sex abuse, suicide videos, self-harm. By the time they get to just straightforward gory violence and terrorism material or knives, it's going to be some way down the line. "So I think you have to be realistic about this. I mean, if you want my honest answer, and I've looked at this topic for a long time now, I think that children have got to stop using social media, full stop." He pointed to Australia's decision to outlaw social media use for under 16s. This will come into force in December. He also suggested that children should have "dumbphones" - the opposite of smartphones, which are used for calls and texting and little else. Mr Hall said: "I think we need to go down the line that Australia has pioneered. I mean, in my dreams, we would just have kids with dumb phones and a few apps, and that would be distributed on the NHS. And if the government was really bold, they would grasp this bull by the horns. But I'm afraid the Online Safety Act is not going to be the solution." Warning of the dangers of online violence, he said: "I mean, there was some boy arrested recently he wanted to copy the Southport killer. I mean, unbelievable. They get all this from the internet." He said counter-terror officers are increasingly focused on " violence fixated individuals" like Rudakubana. The killer was 17 when he murdered three girls and seriously injured a further 10 people including eight children in a senseless attack in Southport. He had been referred to the Prevent programme three times in the years before the killings. As a schoolboy he showed an alarming fascination with the Manchester Arena bombing, the IRA, mass shootings and the 2017 London Bridge attack. But a string of errors led to his case being discontinued. Describing those at risk of becoming dangeorusly fixated with violence, Mr Hall said: "I think it's lonely and lost children. "I mean, look at the Southport killer, for example. Look at Nicholas Prosper (who killed his mother and two siblings and planned to murder around 30 at his former school in Luton). "Do you remember he's the boy who kills three family members and was also planning a school massacre, I should say but were fortunately stopped from doing it.."
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The red flag hiding in your kids' games that they're being groomed & easy guide to keep them safe online this summer
THE summer holidays bring lots of freedom for our children. But it can also lead to an increase in 3 One in five individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences now aged under 18 Credit: Getty This comes with a stark warning from security chiefs, This unprecedented alert stems from a deeply concerning trend: a growing number of children, some as young as 12, are being radicalised and brainwashed into committing acts of terrorism. Alarming statistics reveal the scale of the threat, with around one in five individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences now aged under 18, and half of all referrals to the Government's Prevent anti-radicalisation programme involving children. Appealing to parents, Sir Ken McCallum, MI5's Director General, emphasised the speed and sophistication of this danger: 'In a few clicks, young people can be speaking to terrorists online, consuming violent content. READ MORE ON SUMMER HOLIDAYS 'Terrorists are using slick propaganda to pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path.' This urgent appeal for parental vigilance regarding children's internet use is a joint call from the heads of MI5, the National Crime Agency, and Counter Terrorism Policing. New research from consumer insights platform While digital spaces offer connection and entertainment, they also harbour insidious threats like online grooming and the terrifying rise of extremism. Most read in Fabulous These dangers often manifest not through obvious red flags, but through subtle, non-suspecting signs that parents must learn to recognise. Experts across child protection, psychology, and law enforcement are urging parents to be vigilant and proactive, transforming their approach to online safety from reactive to deeply empathetic and informed. Navigating Child Independence: Legal Guidelines & Safety Considerations in Scotland Here, we reveal the behavioural red flags to watch out for - and they're ones that can easily go missed. A Sudden Shift in Screen Habits Keep an eye on how your child uses their devices. You might notice them suddenly spending way more time online, or even avoiding it altogether. It's a bit like a digital mood swing, as experts at Also, watch out if they get a bit shifty when you're around - quickly flipping their phone over or closing tabs when you walk in. That secrecy can be a real tell-tale sign. The Emotional Rollercoaster Online dangers can really mess with a child's feelings. They might seem upset, worried, sad, or just generally withdrawn after being online. Jarmila Tomkova, an expert on online harms, highlights that if your child seems hesitant to talk about their online world, or looks anxious after chatting with someone, it could be a big clue they're being manipulated. She explains on the You might also spot mood swings, or they could start having trouble sleeping or with their mental health. Jarmila adds that "the child may start acting aloof, withdraws themselves from society, and gets into more conflicts." 3 Online dangers can really mess with a child's feelings Credit: Getty Unexpected Gifts? Pay Attention! If your child suddenly has new things, whether it's a physical present or even virtual stuff like extra lives or points in a game, and you're not sure where it came from, Jarmila says it's a "big red flag" that you absolutely shouldn't ignore. These can be a groomer's way of building trust. The Secret World of Online Chats Communication patterns can also be a huge clue. Groomers often push kids to use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat because they're trickier for parents to keep an eye on, as You might notice your child becoming super secretive about their online time, or avoiding video or phone calls with their "online friends" - which could mean that "friend" isn't who they say they are. They might even start demanding secrecy, with the online person telling them to keep conversations "private" or "their little secret". The groomer often tries to cut kids off from their real-life friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation. And a really worrying sign is if your child starts using sexual language you wouldn't expect them to know. As the Urge for 'Change' One big red flag, according to They might develop an intense, even angry, desire for 'something to be done' about perceived injustices, perhaps reacting strongly to acts of extremism or terrorism. ACT explains that radicalisers are clever; they "exploit these feelings and offer an 'answer' to the problem or issue the person is angry or upset about." They might even convince your child that joining extremist groups and taking "violent action" is the only way to find a solution. Digital Footprints When it comes to extremism, pay attention to their online activity. ACT urges us to watch out if they're liking, sharing, or re-tweeting posts from extremist groups or individuals. Children might become secretive about who they're talking to online and what websites they're visiting, or spend loads of time researching extremist ideas. Another red flag is if they have more than one online identity. And, as Lost Interests Beyond the screen, look at their social life. ACT also advises noting if they start distancing themselves from old friends or changing their social circle entirely. You might find they're no longer enjoying activities they used to love, or they become much more emotional, angry, or resentful. A strong new sense of identity or belonging tied to a new group or ideology is also a big warning sign. And keep an eye out for new electronic devices or phones that you didn't provide - that can be a way for them to communicate secretly. What Can You Do? 3 It is important for parents to know how to approach the situation Credit: Getty The Make it a normal part of your day, like asking about school, so they feel relaxed and more likely to come to you with worries. And crucially, let them know you won't be cross, even if they've stumbled into something "wrong" - fear of punishment often keeps kids silent. Setting Smart Boundaries While talking is key, setting clear boundaries is also super important. Use those parental controls on devices and apps to filter out inappropriate stuff, but always explain why these rules are in place. The Even better, create a "family media agreement" together, so everyone's on the same page and feels involved. Monitoring with Trust Keeping an eye on things is vital, but it's about balance. You can't protect them from what you don't know is happening, as However, avoid "micromanaging" every single text or post, as this can actually make kids more secretive. Instead, talk openly about why you're monitoring and what you're looking for, building trust rather than suspicion. Keeping devices in shared family areas helps with natural supervision and encourages open chat. And remember, tools like Where to turn for support If you are concerned about a child, trust your instincts. Organisations like the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) , Childline (0800 1111) The
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The red flag hiding in your kids' games that they're being groomed & easy guide to keep them safe online this summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE summer holidays bring lots of freedom for our children. But it can also lead to an increase in screen time - as parents balance work commitments with keeping their kids occupied. 3 One in five individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences now aged under 18 Credit: Getty This comes with a stark warning from security chiefs, who are urgently calling on parents to prevent children from accessing toxic online material. This unprecedented alert stems from a deeply concerning trend: a growing number of children, some as young as 12, are being radicalised and brainwashed into committing acts of terrorism. Alarming statistics reveal the scale of the threat, with around one in five individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences now aged under 18, and half of all referrals to the Government's Prevent anti-radicalisation programme involving children. Appealing to parents, Sir Ken McCallum, MI5's Director General, emphasised the speed and sophistication of this danger: 'In a few clicks, young people can be speaking to terrorists online, consuming violent content. 'Terrorists are using slick propaganda to pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path.' This urgent appeal for parental vigilance regarding children's internet use is a joint call from the heads of MI5, the National Crime Agency, and Counter Terrorism Policing. New research from consumer insights platform GWI further underscores this concern, revealing that 66% of UK respondents cited 'exposure to harmful content' as one of their biggest worries about children using social media. While digital spaces offer connection and entertainment, they also harbour insidious threats like online grooming and the terrifying rise of extremism. These dangers often manifest not through obvious red flags, but through subtle, non-suspecting signs that parents must learn to recognise. Experts across child protection, psychology, and law enforcement are urging parents to be vigilant and proactive, transforming their approach to online safety from reactive to deeply empathetic and informed. Navigating Child Independence: Legal Guidelines & Safety Considerations in Scotland Here, we reveal the behavioural red flags to watch out for - and they're ones that can easily go missed. A Sudden Shift in Screen Habits Keep an eye on how your child uses their devices. You might notice them suddenly spending way more time online, or even avoiding it altogether. It's a bit like a digital mood swing, as experts at Parent Club point out. Also, watch out if they get a bit shifty when you're around - quickly flipping their phone over or closing tabs when you walk in. That secrecy can be a real tell-tale sign. The Emotional Rollercoaster Online dangers can really mess with a child's feelings. They might seem upset, worried, sad, or just generally withdrawn after being online. Jarmila Tomkova, an expert on online harms, highlights that if your child seems hesitant to talk about their online world, or looks anxious after chatting with someone, it could be a big clue they're being manipulated. She explains on the ESET blog that "the toxicity of the malicious relationship made them feel as if they´d done something wrong, hence not wanting to share their inner world." You might also spot mood swings, or they could start having trouble sleeping or with their mental health. Jarmila adds that "the child may start acting aloof, withdraws themselves from society, and gets into more conflicts." 3 Online dangers can really mess with a child's feelings Credit: Getty Unexpected Gifts? Pay Attention! If your child suddenly has new things, whether it's a physical present or even virtual stuff like extra lives or points in a game, and you're not sure where it came from, Jarmila says it's a "big red flag" that you absolutely shouldn't ignore. These can be a groomer's way of building trust. The Secret World of Online Chats Communication patterns can also be a huge clue. Groomers often push kids to use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat because they're trickier for parents to keep an eye on, as NSPCC Learning points out. You might notice your child becoming super secretive about their online time, or avoiding video or phone calls with their "online friends" - which could mean that "friend" isn't who they say they are. They might even start demanding secrecy, with the online person telling them to keep conversations "private" or "their little secret". The groomer often tries to cut kids off from their real-life friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation. And a really worrying sign is if your child starts using sexual language you wouldn't expect them to know. As the Metropolitan Police noted in 2022, "Signs of grooming can easily be mistaken for 'typical' teenage behaviour, but you may notice unexplained changes in behaviour or personality or inappropriate behaviour for their age." Urge for 'Change' One big red flag, according to Action Counters Terrorism (ACT), is if your child suddenly starts thinking 'a change needs to happen.' They might develop an intense, even angry, desire for 'something to be done' about perceived injustices, perhaps reacting strongly to acts of extremism or terrorism. ACT explains that radicalisers are clever; they "exploit these feelings and offer an 'answer' to the problem or issue the person is angry or upset about." They might even convince your child that joining extremist groups and taking "violent action" is the only way to find a solution. Digital Footprints When it comes to extremism, pay attention to their online activity. ACT urges us to watch out if they're liking, sharing, or re-tweeting posts from extremist groups or individuals. Children might become secretive about who they're talking to online and what websites they're visiting, or spend loads of time researching extremist ideas. Another red flag is if they have more than one online identity. And, as Kids Health suggests, notice if they quickly switch screens when you come near their device - that's often a sign they're hiding something. Lost Interests Beyond the screen, look at their social life. ACT also advises noting if they start distancing themselves from old friends or changing their social circle entirely. You might find they're no longer enjoying activities they used to love, or they become much more emotional, angry, or resentful. A strong new sense of identity or belonging tied to a new group or ideology is also a big warning sign. And keep an eye out for new electronic devices or phones that you didn't provide - that can be a way for them to communicate secretly. What Can You Do? 3 It is important for parents to know how to approach the situation Credit: Getty The NSPCC stresses that "talking regularly with your child can help keep them safe online." Make it a normal part of your day, like asking about school, so they feel relaxed and more likely to come to you with worries. Dr. Elly Hanson, a clinical psychologist, advises us to be "genuinely curious" about their online world, not dismissive, so they feel comfortable sharing. And crucially, let them know you won't be cross, even if they've stumbled into something "wrong" - fear of punishment often keeps kids silent. Setting Smart Boundaries While talking is key, setting clear boundaries is also super important. Use those parental controls on devices and apps to filter out inappropriate stuff, but always explain why these rules are in place. The Digital Parenting Coach suggests setting "clear and consistent screen time boundaries" and having "device-free time and zones" - like no phones at dinner or in bedrooms. Even better, create a "family media agreement" together, so everyone's on the same page and feels involved. Monitoring with Trust Keeping an eye on things is vital, but it's about balance. You can't protect them from what you don't know is happening, as Child Rescue Coalition points out. However, avoid "micromanaging" every single text or post, as this can actually make kids more secretive. Instead, talk openly about why you're monitoring and what you're looking for, building trust rather than suspicion. Keeping devices in shared family areas helps with natural supervision and encourages open chat. And remember, tools like Aura - a family safety app - can give you "time-and life-saving insights" into their online activities, including in-game chats, without being overbearing.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
The red flag hiding in your kids' games that they're being groomed & easy guide to keep them safe online this summer
THE summer holidays bring lots of freedom for our children. But it can also lead to an increase in screen time - as parents balance work commitments with keeping their kids occupied. This comes with a stark warning from security chiefs, who are urgently calling on parents to prevent children from accessing toxic online material. This unprecedented alert stems from a deeply concerning trend: a growing number of children, some as young as 12, are being radicalised and brainwashed into committing acts of terrorism. Alarming statistics reveal the scale of the threat, with around one in five individuals arrested for terrorism-related offences now aged under 18, and half of all referrals to the Government's Prevent anti-radicalisation programme involving children. Appealing to parents, Sir Ken McCallum, MI5's Director General, emphasised the speed and sophistication of this danger: 'In a few clicks, young people can be speaking to terrorists online, consuming violent content. 'Terrorists are using slick propaganda to pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path.' This urgent appeal for parental vigilance regarding children's internet use is a joint call from the heads of MI5, the National Crime Agency, and Counter Terrorism Policing. New research from consumer insights platform GWI further underscores this concern, revealing that 66% of UK respondents cited 'exposure to harmful content' as one of their biggest worries about children using social media. While digital spaces offer connection and entertainment, they also harbour insidious threats like online grooming and the terrifying rise of extremism. These dangers often manifest not through obvious red flags, but through subtle, non-suspecting signs that parents must learn to recognise. Experts across child protection, psychology, and law enforcement are urging parents to be vigilant and proactive, transforming their approach to online safety from reactive to deeply empathetic and informed. Navigating Child Independence: Legal Guidelines & Safety Considerations in Scotland Here, we reveal the behavioural red flags to watch out for - and they're ones that can easily go missed. A Sudden Shift in Screen Habits Keep an eye on how your child uses their devices. You might notice them suddenly spending way more time online, or even avoiding it altogether. It's a bit like a digital mood swing, as experts at Parent Club point out. Also, watch out if they get a bit shifty when you're around - quickly flipping their phone over or closing tabs when you walk in. That secrecy can be a real tell-tale sign. The Emotional Rollercoaster Online dangers can really mess with a child's feelings. They might seem upset, worried, sad, or just generally withdrawn after being online. Jarmila Tomkova, an expert on online harms, highlights that if your child seems hesitant to talk about their online world, or looks anxious after chatting with someone, it could be a big clue they're being manipulated. She explains on the ESET blog that "the toxicity of the malicious relationship made them feel as if they´d done something wrong, hence not wanting to share their inner world." You might also spot mood swings, or they could start having trouble sleeping or with their mental health. Jarmila adds that "the child may start acting aloof, withdraws themselves from society, and gets into more conflicts." 3 Unexpected Gifts? Pay Attention! If your child suddenly has new things, whether it's a physical present or even virtual stuff like extra lives or points in a game, and you're not sure where it came from, Jarmila says it's a "big red flag" that you absolutely shouldn't ignore. These can be a groomer's way of building trust. The Secret World of Online Chats Communication patterns can also be a huge clue. Groomers often push kids to use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat because they're trickier for parents to keep an eye on, as NSPCC Learning points out. You might notice your child becoming super secretive about their online time, or avoiding video or phone calls with their "online friends" - which could mean that "friend" isn't who they say they are. They might even start demanding secrecy, with the online person telling them to keep conversations "private" or "their little secret". The groomer often tries to cut kids off from their real-life friends and family, leading to feelings of isolation. And a really worrying sign is if your child starts using sexual language you wouldn't expect them to know. As the Metropolitan Police noted in 2022, "Signs of grooming can easily be mistaken for 'typical' teenage behaviour, but you may notice unexplained changes in behaviour or personality or inappropriate behaviour for their age." Urge for 'Change' One big red flag, according to Action Counters Terrorism (ACT), is if your child suddenly starts thinking 'a change needs to happen.' They might develop an intense, even angry, desire for 'something to be done' about perceived injustices, perhaps reacting strongly to acts of extremism or terrorism. ACT explains that radicalisers are clever; they "exploit these feelings and offer an 'answer' to the problem or issue the person is angry or upset about." They might even convince your child that joining extremist groups and taking "violent action" is the only way to find a solution. Digital Footprints When it comes to extremism, pay attention to their online activity. ACT urges us to watch out if they're liking, sharing, or re-tweeting posts from extremist groups or individuals. Children might become secretive about who they're talking to online and what websites they're visiting, or spend loads of time researching extremist ideas. Another red flag is if they have more than one online identity. And, as Kids Health suggests, notice if they quickly switch screens when you come near their device - that's often a sign they're hiding something. Lost Interests Beyond the screen, look at their social life. ACT also advises noting if they start distancing themselves from old friends or changing their social circle entirely. You might find they're no longer enjoying activities they used to love, or they become much more emotional, angry, or resentful. A strong new sense of identity or belonging tied to a new group or ideology is also a big warning sign. And keep an eye out for new electronic devices or phones that you didn't provide - that can be a way for them to communicate secretly. What Can You Do? 3 The NSPCC stresses that "talking regularly with your child can help keep them safe online." Make it a normal part of your day, like asking about school, so they feel relaxed and more likely to come to you with worries. Dr. Elly Hanson, a clinical psychologist, advises us to be "genuinely curious" about their online world, not dismissive, so they feel comfortable sharing. And crucially, let them know you won't be cross, even if they've stumbled into something "wrong" - fear of punishment often keeps kids silent. Setting Smart Boundaries While talking is key, setting clear boundaries is also super important. Use those parental controls on devices and apps to filter out inappropriate stuff, but always explain why these rules are in place. The Digital Parenting Coach suggests setting "clear and consistent screen time boundaries" and having "device-free time and zones" - like no phones at dinner or in bedrooms. Even better, create a "family media agreement" together, so everyone's on the same page and feels involved. Monitoring with Trust Keeping an eye on things is vital, but it's about balance. You can't protect them from what you don't know is happening, as Child Rescue Coalition points out. However, avoid "micromanaging" every single text or post, as this can actually make kids more secretive. Instead, talk openly about why you're monitoring and what you're looking for, building trust rather than suspicion. Keeping devices in shared family areas helps with natural supervision and encourages open chat.
