Skip to content

What to Do if You’re Worried Your Child Is Developing Extremist Views

Mum talking to teen

As a parent or carer, it can be worrying when you notice changes in your child’s behaviour, beliefs, or friendships. Growing up often involves exploring new ideas and forming strong opinions, but sometimes these changes can leave you feeling unsure or concerned—especially if your child appears to be influenced by extreme views. You’re not alone, and you’re not expected to have all the answers. Many families face similar worries, and support is available.

This guide is designed to help you understand what radicalisation is, recognise early signs, approach conversations with confidence, and know where to turn if you need further guidance. Acting early can make a real difference, and taking the first step—simply seeking information—is already a positive move. Let’s walk through this together.

It can be difficult to know whether behaviour changes are just part of growing up or something more concerning. ACT Early explains that friends and family are often the first to notice when something “doesn't feel right,” even if there is no single defining sign.

Possible signs include:

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, beliefs, or friendships
  • Increased isolation or withdrawal from family or usual activities
  • Using hateful or extreme language
  • Expressing grievances or conspiracy-style beliefs that echo extreme ideologies
  • Spending a lot of time online in new communities, especially those promoting extreme ideas
  • Becoming fixated on an issue in a way that seems obsessive or emotionally charged

These indicators are not proof, but they may signal a need for conversation and support.

It can be difficult to know whether behaviour changes are just part of growing up or something more concerning. ACT Early explains that friends and family are often the first to notice when something “doesn't feel right,” even if there is no single defining sign.

Possible signs include:

  • Sudden changes in behaviour, beliefs, or friendships
  • Increased isolation or withdrawal from family or usual activities
  • Using hateful or extreme language
  • Expressing grievances or conspiracy-style beliefs that echo extreme ideologies
  • Spending a lot of time online in new communities, especially those promoting extreme ideas
  • Becoming fixated on an issue in a way that seems obsessive or emotionally charged

These indicators are not proof, but they may signal a need for conversation and support.

Extremist groups often target young people who may feel uncertain about their identity, isolated, or in search of belonging. They may offer simple answers, a sense of purpose, or someone who “understands” them.

Factors that can increase vulnerability include:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Feeling like an outsider
  • Stress, trauma, or major life changes
  • Seeking friendship or validation
  • Curiosity about political or social issues

Extremist groups often target young people who may feel uncertain about their identity, isolated, or in search of belonging. They may offer simple answers, a sense of purpose, or someone who “understands” them.

Factors that can increase vulnerability include:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Feeling like an outsider
  • Stress, trauma, or major life changes
  • Seeking friendship or validation
  • Curiosity about political or social issues

Opening up this discussion can feel daunting. But supportive, non-judgmental communication is essential.

Tips:

  • Choose a calm moment and listen more than you speak.
  • Ask open questions (e.g., “What makes you feel this way?”).
  • Avoid criticism—this can push them further toward harmful influences.
  • Acknowledge their feelings, even if you disagree with their views.
  • Keep the conversation going over time rather than expecting one big talk.

Guidance for having difficult conversations is also outlined in the Educate Against Hate parent resources.

Opening up this discussion can feel daunting. But supportive, non-judgmental communication is essential.

Tips:

  • Choose a calm moment and listen more than you speak.
  • Ask open questions (e.g., “What makes you feel this way?”).
  • Avoid criticism—this can push them further toward harmful influences.
  • Acknowledge their feelings, even if you disagree with their views.
  • Keep the conversation going over time rather than expecting one big talk.

Guidance for having difficult conversations is also outlined in the Educate Against Hate parent resources.

If you are worried, taking early action is important. You are not expected to manage this alone.

Practical steps:

  1. Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, seek advice.
  2. Seek information – The ACT Early website provides confidential guidance about radicalisation, spotting signs, and getting help.
  3. Keep communication open – Make your child feel heard and supported.
  4. Monitor online activity – Not invasively, but with awareness. Many extremist groups target young people online.
  5. Encourage positive social opportunities – Clubs, sports, hobbies, mentoring.
  6. Talk about critical thinking – Help your child question sources and recognise manipulation.

If you are worried, taking early action is important. You are not expected to manage this alone.

Practical steps:

  1. Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, seek advice.
  2. Seek information – The ACT Early website provides confidential guidance about radicalisation, spotting signs, and getting help.
  3. Keep communication open – Make your child feel heard and supported.
  4. Monitor online activity – Not invasively, but with awareness. Many extremist groups target young people online.
  5. Encourage positive social opportunities – Clubs, sports, hobbies, mentoring.
  6. Talk about critical thinking – Help your child question sources and recognise manipulation.

If you are increasingly worried, you can contact Prevent for confidential, supportive help. Anything you share is treated sensitively and you will not get your child into trouble.

The GOV.UK Prevent guidance states:

  • You can seek support and advice even before making a referral.
  • Support is voluntary, safeguarding‑focused, and aims to protect vulnerable people from harm.
  • In an immediate crisis, always call 999.

You can reach Prevent advice through the ACT Early website.

If you are increasingly worried, you can contact Prevent for confidential, supportive help. Anything you share is treated sensitively and you will not get your child into trouble.

The GOV.UK Prevent guidance states:

  • You can seek support and advice even before making a referral.
  • Support is voluntary, safeguarding‑focused, and aims to protect vulnerable people from harm.
  • In an immediate crisis, always call 999.

You can reach Prevent advice through the ACT Early website.

If Prevent specialists think support might be helpful:

  • A safeguarding professional will contact you to discuss concerns.
  • Trained local experts (including police, council teams, and youth professionals) will work with you.
  • If appropriate, your child may be offered voluntary support through the Channel programme—this could include mentoring, mental health help, or education support.
  • You stay fully involved throughout the process.

Prevent is designed to support, not criminalise, young people.

If Prevent specialists think support might be helpful:

  • A safeguarding professional will contact you to discuss concerns.
  • Trained local experts (including police, council teams, and youth professionals) will work with you.
  • If appropriate, your child may be offered voluntary support through the Channel programme—this could include mentoring, mental health help, or education support.
  • You stay fully involved throughout the process.

Prevent is designed to support, not criminalise, young people.