What is Prevent?
‘Prevent’ is part of the government’s overall counter-terrorism strategy. The aim of Prevent is to reduce the threat from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
The Prevent strategy has three specific objectives:
1. Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it
2. Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support
3. Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation.
What are we doing about it?
At Morton Academy we continue to work hard to safeguard our students from being radicalised and drawn into extremist behaviours. Academy Teachers and Support staff have received specific training around Radicalisation and Extremism from Cumbria Constabulary, delivered by a member of their counter terrorism team. Staff have also continued their training online through a police awareness course. Staff are clear about the vulnerabilities that that potential recruiters look for in students and as such have programmes in place to deliver to students who may be particularly vulnerable. Further to this the Academy delivers a bespoke curriculum through PSHCE and British Values to ensure students are aware of potential recruitment strategies and what to do about them. Morton Academy is committed to keeping its students and community safe. More information about Prevent can be found on the following pages. Recruiters will often try to target children and teenagers online through social media, gaming etc. To ensure you can support keeping your child safe online, please see our information on this under E-Safety.
What is extremism and radicalisation?
Extremism is ‘vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. The definition of extremism also includes calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas’.
Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.
Who may be at risk?
There is no one way of identifying an individual who is likely to be susceptible to terrorist ideology. If extremist views are held within a family unit, even very young children may be vulnerable to radicalisation and display concerning behaviour. However, many studies show that radicalisation often occurs as people search for identity, meaning and community and this is why young people may be particularly vulnerable.
Factors that may have a bearing on someone becoming vulnerable
These may include:
• Peer pressure • Influence from other people • The internet/social media • bullying • crime against them or their involvement in crime • anti-social behaviour • family tension • race/hate crime • lack of self-esteem • personal or political grievances • Being at a transitional time of life • Being influenced or controlled by a group • A desire for status • A desire for excitement and adventure • A need to dominate and control others • Susceptibility to indoctrination • A desire for political or moral change • Opportunistic involvement • Family or friends involvement in extremism • Relevant mental health issues. • Learning Difficulties • A need to belong to something.
The Use of Social Media
Millions of young people use social media platforms every day to share content, but there are a small minority of users who exploit it to radicalise and recruit vulnerable people.
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Youtube
- Ask.FM
- Instagram
- Tumblr
- Private Messaging Apps including: WhatsApp, Kik, SuperSpot and Viber.
What to do if you suspect it
The Department for Education has a dedicated telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable staff and governors to raise concerns relating to extremism directly, or in non-emergency situations, they can be emailed at: counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk