The impact of COVID-19 means that many of us will be at home for an extended period of time. This can lead to increased feelings of isolation and spending more time online. Extremists can use this to take advantage of people. So, it is important that you know how to protect yourself and your family online.
What the signs are that your child maybe being exploited online
Some of the traits listed below can be common among teenagers. Though, if taken together, they could be indicators that your child may need some help:
- Exploring new and unusual websites, chat forums and platforms. Harmful influences may push individuals towards platforms with a greater degree of anonymity.
- Joining new or secret groups since isolation.
- Speaking with new friends or being secretive about chats during online gaming or in forums.
- A strong desire to seek new meaning, identity and purpose.
- Using language you would not expect them to know.
- Watching, sharing or creating films online linked to religious, political or racial hate.
- Becoming increasingly argumentative or refusing to listen to different points of view.
There are resources to help you understand and protect your child from different harms online.
How you can access support and advice for someone being radicalised
Do you think someone is in immediate danger? Have you seen or heard something that may be related to terrorism? Trust your instincts and phone:
- 999 (Police).
- 0800 789321 (Confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline).
Prevent is still operating during this time and is here to support families. If you have concerns about someone being radicalised:
- phone the Police: 101;
- or email the Council's Prevent Team: prevent@calderdale.gov.uk.
If you contact the authorities, the person will not get into trouble if a criminal act has not been committed. The local authority or police will:
- Discuss your concerns.
- Suggest how they can best help.
- Give you access to relevant support and advice.
Report hateful content
Prevent takes robust action to tackle people being radicalised online. You can report terrorist content you find online via: Referral tool (GOV.UK).
For more about this, visit: Action Counters Terrorism campaign.