Social media, the news and websites are all places where young people can be exposed to information about radical groups and terrorism. You may look out of curiosity, or because you want to find out the truth behind the news stories. But there are online radical and terrorist groups which want to recruit young people to their cause.
They use the same techniques as other online abusers. They:
- Lie and tell you not to trust anyone else
- Try and separate you from friends and family
- Make promises and tell you that you are special and unique
Anyone is potentially vulnerable to becoming radicalised. You need to know how to protect yourself and your friends.
Take action: Some people are so vulnerable to radicalisation that they can become radicalised just from reading or watching content online. Over time they return to the content again and again and slowly become obsessed with terrorist acts and violence. They may go on to plan or even commit acts of violence. If you have seen terrorist content online, you should report it right away so it can be taken down. Report online terrorist content at www.gov.uk/report-terrorism
If you are worried about something you have seen, you should talk to an adult you trust right away. If it is an emergency (for example, if someone has run away) you should call the police on 999 without delay.
You can also report concerns to 101 (the police non-emergency number) or make an anonymous report online at gov.uk/act. Don't worry about you or anyone else getting into trouble. Young people are always supported and helped to resist and recover.
Reporting online content
This video from Action Counters Terrorism explains how to report online extremist content.
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