Worries about the world

Radicalisation is when someone starts to believe or support extreme views. They could be pressured to do things illegal by someone else. Or they might change their behaviour and beliefs.

This could happen if they feel:

• isolated and lonely or wanting to belong
• unhappy about themselves and what others might think of them
• embarrassed or judged about their culture, gender, religion or race
• stressed or depressed
• fed up of being bullied or treated badly by other people or by society
• angry at other people or the government
• confused about what they are doing
• pressured to stand up for other people who are being oppressed.

Someone who has been radicalised might believe that sexual, religious or racial violence is OK. They may be influenced by what they see online. And they might have links to extreme groups that preach hate like Nazi groups or Islamic extremists like Daesh, also known as ISIS or IS.

Having extreme views can be dangerous. And this can often lead to harmful and illegal activities involving violence, attacks, discrimination or hate - which you could be arrested or sent to prison for. This can affect you and your future. If you’re worried, you can talk to us.

Finding that your views are changing can be normal. And it’s OK to make new friends or spend time with different people. But if these things are making you change your behaviour and how you treat others, it could mean you’re being radicalised.

When you’re being radicalised it can be hard to know who to trust. It can help to ask yourself questions like:

• do I only see or read info that I already agree with?
• do I get angry or defensive if someone questions what I think?
• am I being pressured to change my opinions or beliefs?
• are people promising me that they can make me important or put me in control as long as I do what they say?
• do I feel like I want control even it means doing something harmful?
• do I agree with the things extremist groups are saying or doing?
• do I or the people around me feel hate or anger towards certain people or groups - and want to hurt them or get revenge?
• do I think the way to change the world is by using violence or doing something illegal or dangerous?

It’s not always easy to tell if you’re being radicalised. It could be that you feel some of these things and it's just part of growing up and changing your views. But if you’ve answered yes or maybe to any of these questions it could also mean that you're at risk.

You’re not alone and it’s important to get help. Speaking to someone outside the situation like a teacher or a friend can help you to get a second opinion.

Our counsellors can also help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings. And help you find ways to get support and make decisions. It’s confidential and you don’t have to give us your name if you don’t want to. Find out how you can get in touch.

You might be unsure if something is wrong or not. So it can help to think about the person you’re worried about. Ask yourself how well you know them. How do they usually behave? What kind of things do they usually do? And are you noticing anything different.

If someone is at risk of being radicalised they might:

• talk positively about dangerous groups or people who promote hate, or make it seem like these groups are OK
• spend time with people or on websites that promote violence, hate, racism, homophobia or islamophobia
• become secretive and not want to talk to anyone about where they spend time or what they’re doing online
• refuse to talk to people from a certain country or who have a different sexuality or belief
• be rude, aggressive or violent towards a particular group of people, for example, Jewish, Muslim or gay people or someone who supports a certain political party.

If you’re worried about someone, it’s always better to get support, even if you aren’t sure.

You could try:

• asking an adult for help
• talking to our counsellors in confidence
• writing to Sam anonymously.