Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to believe that using violence or extreme methods is the right response to political or social problems.
Gradual — not a sudden event. Can be interrupted at any stage.
No community, religion, or background is immune.
The earlier support begins, the more effective it is.
Prevent treats vulnerability as a welfare issue — not just a crime.
⬆️ Push Factors
What makes someone vulnerable
⬇️ Pull Factors
What extremist groups offer
Prevent referrals
(+27% on previous year)
Right-wing extremism
(largest ideological category since 2019)
of all referrals
were under-18s
Referrals from
education (largest sector)
⚠️ Right-wing extremism has been the largest Prevent category since 2019 — larger than Islamist extremism. Extremism has no single face.
White nationalism, neo-Nazism, incel ideology. Recruited primarily online through memes, gaming, and forums. Looks like "edgy humour" at first.
Ideologies justifying violence in the name of a particular interpretation of Islam. ISIL/Daesh, Al-Qaeda inspired.
The largest single group — referrals with no defined ideology, or with mixed, unstable or unclear concerns. Increasingly common in younger referrals.
Eco-extremism, anarchist violence. Small but notable.
Source: Home Office, Individuals Referred to and Supported Through the Prevent Programme, England and Wales, year ending March 2025 (2025)
Memes, "edgy humour," videos — seems harmless at first
Algorithms recommend more extreme content; community forms around shared grievances
Membership becomes part of who you are — leaving feels like losing yourself
Increasingly extreme content becomes normal; real-world action discussed
At any stage — a trusted adult relationship provides a way out
ONLINE & COMMUNICATION
BEHAVIOURAL & SOCIAL
Channel gives you a criminal record
No criminal record, no prosecution. It is voluntary and requires your consent.
Being referred means you've done something wrong
A referral means someone is worried about you and wants to get you support.
Channel targets specific communities
Channel supports anyone at risk from any background — right-wing extremism is the largest ideological category.
Everyone's voice matters equally. Extremism rejects democratic processes.
Laws apply to everyone equally. Terrorism bypasses law-making through violence.
You have the right to your own choices and identity. Extremism seeks to remove this.
Dignity for all people. Extremism begins with dehumanisation.
Accepting that others believe differently. Intolerance is the starting point of most violent extremist ideologies.
Scenario A
A classmate shares memes in a group chat making fun of a religious group. He says "it's just banter." The content is getting more extreme.
What are the signs? At what point would you act? Who would you tell?
Scenario B
A friend has become withdrawn, spends hours on unfamiliar websites, and has said "normal society doesn't work for people like us."
What warning signs can you identify? What stops people from speaking up — and how do you overcome that?
Designated Safeguarding Lead — talk to a teacher first
actearly.campaign.gov.uk
Worried about someone?
0800 1111 · Free · 24 hours · Any worry
0800 789 321 · Free · Anonymous
116 123 · Emotional support
999