Understanding the mechanics of these threats—and who they target—is the first step in building a robust defence.

The Silent Threat of Cyber-Radicalisation

Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. In the digital age, this increasingly happens online, where recruiters can reach vulnerable individuals directly in their bedrooms.

The Data: Who is at Risk?

According to the UK Home Office’s statistics for the year ending March 2023, there were 6,817 referrals to the Prevent programme.

• Age: The education sector is the primary source of referrals, reflecting the vulnerability of young people. The age group 15-20 consistently represents a significant portion of those referred, as this is a critical period for identity formation.
• Gender: The vast majority of those referred are male, often targeted by ideologies that exploit feelings of disenfranchisement or offer a twisted sense of purpose and brotherhood.
• Ideology: Interestingly, the largest category of referrals is now for “Mixed, Unstable or Unclear Ideology”, suggesting that recruiters are less focused on a coherent political message and more on exploiting general grievances and personal vulnerabilities.

Recruiters often use gaming platforms and social media to identify individuals who seem isolated or angry, gradually introducing extremist narratives disguised as “alternative news” or community support.

Online Grooming: A Shapeshifting Danger

Online grooming is often associated with sexual exploitation, but it also encompasses criminal exploitation (such as “county lines” drug trafficking) and financial exploitation. Groomers build trust with a victim to manipulate them into harmful activities.

The Data: A Growing Epidemic

Data from the NSPCC and police forces across the UK highlights a worrying trend:

• Volume: In recent years, online grooming crimes have reached record highs. The NSPCC reported that over 30,000 online grooming offences were recorded by UK police in the last five years.
• Gender Split: While girls remain the primary targets for sexual grooming (making up over 80% of victims in some reports), there is a rising trend in the grooming of boys for criminal exploitation and financial scams (like becoming “money mules”).
• Platforms: Snapchat, Instagram, and increasingly TikTok and Discord are frequently cited as the platforms where initial contact is made. Groomers move victims from public forums to encrypted private chats to evade detection.

Critical Thinking: Your Shield Against Misinformation

In an era of “fake news” and algorithmic echo chambers, the ability to distinguish fact from fiction is a crucial safety skill. Misinformation can be used to fuel radicalisation, create social division, or scam individuals.

The Data: The News Gap

Ofcom’s 2024 Media Literacy research sheds light on how young people consume information:

• Source: Teenagers and young adults (16-24) are significantly more likely to use social media (TikTok, Instagram) as their primary source of news compared to older generations.
• The Confidence Trap: While many young people feel confident in their digital skills, Ofcom found that a significant percentage (often over 30%) failed to spot fake profiles or distinguish between genuine news and sponsored content or misinformation.
• The “Filter Bubble”: Algorithms are designed to show us what we want to see, not necessarily what is true. This can lead to a distorted view of reality, making extremist narratives seem more popular or valid than they are.

Taking Action: How to Protect Yourself

1. Question Everything: If a post or video makes you feel incredibly angry or fearful, pause. That is often the goal of misinformation. Check the source. Is it a reputable news organisation, or an anonymous account?
2. Recognise the “Love Bomb”: In grooming (both sexual and radicalisation), perpetrators often start with overwhelming praise, attention, or offers of gifts/status. Be wary of strangers who seem too interested in your life too quickly.
3. Break the Echo Chamber: Actively seek out news from sources you disagree with or neutral fact-checking sites like Full Fact or BBC Verify.
4. Report It: If you see content that promotes terrorism or looks like grooming behaviour, report it to the platform and, if necessary, the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).

For Prostart Learners:

If you ever feel uncomfortable about an online interaction, or if you’re worried about a friend who seems to be withdrawing or expressing extreme views, please speak to our Safeguarding Team. You are not alone, and raising a concern could save a life.