Dorset Police warn pandemic making young people vulnerable to radicalisation
Social isolation and a rise in hateful extremism online is creating a ‘perfect storm.’
Parents in Dorset are being warned to watch out for the signs of grooming and radicalisation.
Dorset Police say the impact of Covid-19, social isolation and a rise in hateful extremism online is creating a ‘perfect storm’ which is making more young people vulnerable.
Between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2020, 17 children in England and Wales have been arrested in relation to terrorism offences - some as young as 14 years old.
During the same period, more that 1,500 children under the age of 15 were helped by the Prevent programme to choose a different path, away from hatred and violence.
Someone who knows all about the dangers that extremism and radicalisation can pose is Kath Jack from Families and Extremism Support, whose son was convicted of being a member of the proscribed Right Wing Terrorism group, National Action, after being radicalised online and who now works to help other families in similar situations before it is too late.
Kath said:
“My son is now trying to rebuild his life in prison after being drawn down a path by extremists. But his story could have been so different if I had had advice and support like this available to me. I did know something was going wrong in his life but didn’t know enough about what it was, how to talk to him about it without arguments or where to go for help. When the police did try to intervene he refused to engage with them because by then it was too late.
“So I would encourage any other mums, dads or wider friends and families to Act Early and seek help and support. The police and other services can help turn lives around if you tell them what’s going on soon enough.”
Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Stenner, of Counter Terrorism Policing South West, said: “Like all regions across the country we have noticed a significant drop (63 per cent) in Prevent referrals in the past year.
“I hope ACT Early resources give confidence to anyone who might be concerned someone close could be heading down a path towards terrorism that support is available.
“Family and friends are best placed to spot worrying behaviour and together we can help prevent their loved ones from being drawn into harmful activities or groups.
“I’d also like to reassure people that we won’t tell the person they’re worried about they called us, unless they say we can.”