Radicalisation Doesn’t Start with Violence

It Starts with Vulnerability

Learn how young people are drawn into extremism, and how to protect yourself, your peers, and your community.

Discover how radicalisation begins, what it really means, and how it affects young people.

Learn how young people can be pulled into harmful ideas through the internet, friends, or personal struggles.

Discover how radicalisation can be stopped early, how to support someone at risk, and how to help build a safer community.

Find out what changes in behavior and beliefs might be signs that someone is being influenced by extreme ideas.

Understand the varying type of extremism, and their defining characteristics.

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation is the process where a persons beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes transfer from being conventional to extreme and far-reaching, often leading to a want for societal and collective change.

The process of radicalisation can materialize in a number of ways, including changes in attitude, behavior, or perspective. A common misconception surrounding radicalisation is that all radical beliefs are negative, radicalisation simply refers to a shift in perspective towards extreme viewpoints, only becoming concerning when they advocate for violence or other negative methods to achieve a political, religeous, or idealogical goal.

How does radicalisation affect young people?

Radicalisation can have a negative impact on young people, leading to changes and decline in both behavior and relationships. Lets take a look at how radicalisation affects young people:

  • Withdrawal from mainstream activities

  • Social isolation

  • Manipulation and exploitation

  • Disruption of education and career

  • Risk of criminal activity

  • Psychological distress

Prevention and Intervention

Prevention

  • Education and Awareness: Schools and community programs play an important role in teaching critical thinking and digital literacy.

    Positive Outlets: Sports, arts, volunteering, and mentorship programs and other activities can give young people healthy spaces to express identity.

  • Family Support: Families which encourage open conversations about difficult topics, such as discrimination and identity struggles can help to reduce risk.

Intervention

  • Early Identification: Peers and families who notice warning signs can connect young people with help before radicalisation occurs.

  • Counselling & Helplines: Confidential services can provide safe, non-judgemental support for individuals at risk.

  • Rehabilitation Programs: For those already influenced, disengagement and rehabilitation programs offer a journey back into positive community life.

Religious Extremism

  1. When faith or belief systems are distorted to justify violence and hatred.

  2. This can include groups or individuals who use religion to divide or target others.

Political Extremism

  1. Belief in extreme political ideologies that reject democracy, equality, or compromise.

  2. Can occur on both the far-right and far-left, often promoting intolerance and violent behaviors.

Nationalist or Ethno-Cultural Extremism

  1. Promotes the superiority of one nation, race, or culture over others.

  2. This type of extremism can lead to racism, xenophobia, and attacks against minority groups.

Single-Issue Extremism

  1. When individuals or groups use violence or threats to push one specific issue (e.g. anti-immigration).

Online Extremism

  1. Extremist ideas spread through social media, forums, or gaming platforms.

  2. This form can be especially dangerous for youth because of how quickly content is able to spread through the use of technology.

Types of Extremism