PSHE / Citizenship — KS3 Pupil Handout (Years 7–9, Ages 11–14)
MASH-ALIGNED KS3 PREVENT DUTYRadicalisation is the process by which a person comes to believe that using violence or extreme methods is the right way to solve political or social problems. It is a gradual process — it doesn't happen overnight — and it can be interrupted and reversed at any point.
Radicalisation can lead to extremism. Extremism means holding views that are far outside what most people accept as normal — often involving hatred of specific groups of people, or the belief that violence is justified.
The key point: no one is born an extremist. It is always a process — and every step in that process is a chance for someone to get help and change direction.
Researchers who study radicalisation have found two types of reasons why people become vulnerable:
⬆️ Push Factors
Things that make someone feel vulnerable or like they don't belong:
⬇️ Pull Factors
Things that extremist groups offer to attract people:
Understanding these factors is why Prevent treats radicalisation as a welfare issue — people who are vulnerable need support, not punishment.
These figures are from the Home Office (the UK government's official statistics, 2024/25):
referrals made to Prevent in England and Wales (2024/25) — a record high
right-wing extremism — the largest single ideological category since 2019
of all Prevent referrals involved young people under 18
⚠️ The most common type of extremism in England and Wales is right-wing
Many people assume Prevent is mainly about Islamist extremism. The data shows that right-wing extremism — often spread through online gaming, memes, and social media — has been the largest ideological category since 2019. Extremism has no single face.
Most right-wing extremism referrals in 2024/25 were linked to online recruitment — through gaming, social media, forums, and messaging apps. Here is how it typically happens:
Memes, videos or "edgy humour" that makes fun of specific groups — seems like a joke at first
Algorithm recommendations lead to more extreme content; an online community forms around shared grievances
Being part of the group becomes part of who you are — leaving feels like losing yourself and your friends
Increasingly extreme content becomes normal; real-world action starts to be discussed
At any stage, a trusted adult relationship provides a way out. The earlier, the easier — but it is never too late
All schools in England are legally required to actively promote these five values. Extremist ideologies attack these values — understanding them helps us recognise when something is wrong.
Everyone has an equal vote. Extremism rejects democratic processes — it argues that violence is more effective than votes.
Laws apply equally to everyone. Terrorism bypasses democratic law-making through violence.
People have the right to make their own choices about their identity, beliefs, and lives. Extremism tries to remove this — often starting with specific groups.
Recognising the dignity of all people. Extremism always begins with dehumanisation — treating people as less than fully human.
Accepting that others believe differently, without having to agree with them. Intolerance is the starting point of most violent extremist ideologies.
These are signs that someone might need support. No single sign means someone is definitely in trouble — but if you notice several, speak to a trusted adult.
Many of these signs could mean other things — like struggling with mental health or bullying. The point is: if something worries you, tell a trusted adult. You don't have to figure it out yourself.
Channel is a police punishment programme — if you're referred, you get a criminal record.
Channel is a voluntary support programme. No criminal record. No prosecution. Consent is always required.
Being referred to Channel means you've done something wrong.
A referral means someone is worried about you and wants to make sure you get support. It is an act of care.
Channel targets specific communities.
Channel supports anyone at risk, from any background or ideology — including right-wing extremism (the largest ideological category).
A classmate has started sharing memes in a group chat that joke about people from a specific background. At first it seemed like humour, but the content is getting more extreme and more hateful. He says "it's just banter."
A friend you've known for years has become really withdrawn. They've stopped coming to football and have started spending a lot of time on websites you've never heard of. They've said things like "normal society doesn't work for people like us" and "some people deserve what's coming to them."
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