Staying safe online
Young people can see all kinds of things online via social media and through online games. The popularity of online gaming has given extremists more opportunities to make their narratives sound more mainstream and reach out and radicalise others.
Radicalisers use techniques to groom people and draw them in and might even seem or look harmless to start with.
It’s not easy to challenge a young person who wants their privacy- and your trust. But it’s important to find out who they might be coming into contact with online. Have the conversation.
Be vigilant and find out who they might be coming into contact with online.
Tips on how to stay safe online
You can find more information on staying safe online here
If you have downloaded new apps or recently purchased a new mobile, Ipad or PC, remember to review and adjust privacy and safety settings. You should do this every time you or your child is signing up to a new online service.
You can also set up parental controls that put you in control of what content your child can see. The UK Safer Internet Centre has guidance on how to set up parental controls and filter content to help prevent age inappropriate material being accessed on devices in your home.
Talk to your child about who they are connecting with online. People and situations online are not always what they might at first seem to be.
Talk to your child about the potential dangers of being invited into closed groups or chatrooms.
Talk to your child about how radicalisers search tweets, chatroom forums and social media profiles and posts to identify people who may be vulnerable to exploitation.
Encourage your child not to share too much information about themselves online.
Reporting extremist material online
If you see online graphic or violent extremist material or content that supports, directs or glorifies terrorism please report it using our anonymous online reporting tool.
Frequently asked questions
What is online radicalisation?
The internet and gaming platforms have made it easier for radicalisers to connect with people online. What usually starts off as conversations on mainstream platforms can quickly escalate when the person being targeted is invited into closed groups, chatrooms and forums.
How do radicalisers target people online?
Online grooming can happen to anyone and that includes being targeted by extremists. Radicalisers search tweets, chatroom forums and social media profiles and posts to identify people who may be vulnerable to exploitation.
Should I be concerned about online radicalisation?
It’s as important to talk to your children about the risks of radicalisation as you would other harms like drugs or gangs. Teach them to question who might be posting some of the material they might come across and what could be the agenda behind it.
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