What is Prevent?
The focus of Prevent is on the significant threat posed by international terrorism and those in the UK who are inspired by it. But it is also concerned with reducing threats, risks and vulnerabilities posed by domestic extremists such as those from the far right and far left, extreme animal rights activists and those involved in Northern Irish related terrorism.
Prevent is supported by three objectives:
- Responding to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it (ideology);
- Preventing people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support (individuals); and
- Working with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation which we need to address (institutions).
- Department of Education Guidance – The Prevent duty: Departmental advice for schools and childcare providers (June 2015)
The Prevent Duty set out in June 2015 means that we all need to pay ‘due regard’ to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Essentially, what this means is that we should appropriately consider Prevent when we are going about our day to day work. If you are concerned someone is vulnerable to radicalisation and you’ve noticed changes in actions or behaviours, check your information and share it with someone. This could be your safeguarding lead for professionals or alternatively call the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
It might be nothing, but it could be something.
If you suspect it, report it!
Radicalisation and Social Media
Research has found that 90% of the radicalisation process happens online. There are a range of social media sites that are used by extremists to groom young people. Often social media accounts are easy to set up and sometimes allow the account holder to remain fairly anonymous. Material such as news stories, blogs, pictures, videos and other information can be shared quickly and very widely. On sites such as YouTube, where videos can be hosted, multiple dummy accounts may be set up so that even if a video is taken down, it can be reposted again very fast.
Private messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Kik, SureSpot and Viber, are also commonly used by extremists to contact children they are grooming. They can be a way of providing very specific information, for example on travel arrangements or what to pack for a journey abroad.
- The Prevent Strategy
- Parent info: Preventing violent extremism – what parents can do
- Internet Matters: Radicalisation
- Educate against hate: Parents resources
- Support for Children and Young People who experienced Islamophobia: You and Co: What is Islamophobia
- The DfE has issued e-safety guidance for teachers ‘How social media is used to encourage travel to Syria and Iraq’. The document describes the techniques extremists use to engage with young people
- Prevent – Tackling Extremism Poster
- Prevent – Let’s Talk About It
- Working Together to Prevent Terrorism