Keeping our young people safe

As we step into the Summer Holiday, it’s a great time to reflect on the growing importance of online safety for young people. The internet is a great tool for learning, connecting, and sharing. But it can also be a space where harmful content spreads, including radical and extremist messaging. It’s important to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and others.

How radicalisation happens online

  • Extremist groups use social media, gaming platforms, and private messaging apps to target individuals.
  • They often exploit emotions like anger, frustration, or loneliness to manipulate people.
  • Misinformation and conspiracy theories are used to recruit and radicalise.

How to stay safe

  • Think Before You Click – Be cautious of content that promotes hate, division, or violence.
  • Check the Facts – Verify information with trusted sources before believing or sharing it.
  • Protect Your Privacy – Adjust your social media settings to limit who can contact you.
  • Know the Signs – If someone is becoming withdrawn, expressing extreme views, or suddenly changing their online behaviour, they may need support.

Keeping children safe online from radicalisation and hateful extremism requires a combination of education, open communication, and proactive digital parenting

Here are some practical tips for parents:

Open communication and critical thinking

  • Encourage open discussions about world events, beliefs, and different viewpoints. Make it clear they can talk to you about anything they see online.
  • Teach critical thinking skills - help children question and analyse information rather than accepting it at face value.
  • Discuss manipulation tactics used by extremist groups, such as emotional appeals, misinformation, fake news, or peer pressure.

Monitor online activity without spying

  • Know which platforms your child uses (social media, gaming forums, chat rooms) and how they interact there.
  • Set parental controls and privacy settings on devices, but don’t rely on them entirely - education is key.
  • Encourage transparency - ask your child to show you their favourite websites, influencers, and online communities.

Recognise warning signs

While radicalisation is rare, be aware of potential red flags, such as:

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, isolation, or secrecy about online activity.
  • Expressing extreme views, intolerance, or a ‘them vs. us’ mindset.
  • Rejecting family and friends in favour of new, unknown online contacts

Teach digital resilience and media literacy

  • Show them how to fact-check sources and spot misinformation.
  • Explain how algorithms can create echo chambers, reinforcing extreme views. Encourage a diverse media diet - reading from multiple perspectives to avoid bias

Be aware of online grooming for extremism

  • Extremist recruiters often befriend and slowly influence young people, much like other forms of online grooming.
  • Warn children about strangers offering a sense of belonging or exclusive "truths."
  • If they are approached, encourage them to talk to you or a trusted adult.

Encourage positive online communities

  • Get involved in youth groups, sports, music, uniformed services hobbies, and extracurricular activities that promote inclusivity.
  • Introduce them to positive role models and mentors who support open-minded discussions.
  • Encourage participation in critical-thinking discussions at school or with peers.

Report and seek help when necessary

  • If you suspect extremist grooming, report it to the platform and relevant authorities (for example, school, police, online safety organisations).

Parental control and monitoring tools

These tools help manage screen time, filter harmful content, and track online activity:

  • Qustodio - allows content filtering, screen time control, and social media monitoring.
  • Net Nanny - blocks harmful websites and monitors online conversations.
  • Bark - uses AI to detect signs of cyberbullying, extremism, and harmful content.
  • Google Family Link - helps manage children’s digital habits and restrict certain content.

Online safety and digital literacy resources

These organisations provide educational materials and guides for parents and children:

  • Thinkuknow (CEOP – UK) – Resources on online grooming and extremism.
  • Educate Against Hate – UK government-backed advice on radicalisation.
  • Common Sense Media – Reviews apps, games, and sites for age-appropriate content.
  • Childnet – Offers guidance on online safety and extremism.

Reporting radical content and suspicious activity

If you suspect online extremism or grooming, report it here:

Remember allowing children unmonitored use on the internet is like allowing a stranger into your home!

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