Prevent Duty

Prevent

In April 2023 we launched our first half term campaign within college around Prevent Duty.

Prevent Duty is to safeguard people from being drawn into extremism, radicalisation and terrorism.

The aim is to increase student, staff and visitor knowledge and awareness, ensuring they have the confidence to report any concerns they see / hear to the appropriate place whether this be in college or out in the community.

Extremism – The vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect of different faiths and beliefs.

Radicalisation – the process by which people come to support terrorism and extremism and, in some cases, to then participate in terrorist groups.

Terrorism – an action or threat designed to influence the government or intimidate the public. Its purpose is to advance a political, religious, or ideological cause.

Early indicators of radicalisation or extremism may include:

· showing sympathy for extremist causes

· glorifying violence, especially to other faiths or cultures

· making remarks or comments about being at extremist events or rallies outside the academies

· evidence of possessing illegal or extremist literature

· advocating messages similar to illegal organisations or other extremist groups

· out of character changes in dress, behaviour and peer relationships (but there are also very powerful narratives, programmes and networks that young people can come across online so involvement with particular groups may not be apparent.)

· secretive behaviour

· online searches or sharing extremist messages or social profiles

· intolerance of difference, including faith, culture, gender, race or sexuality

· graffiti, art work or writing that displays extremist themes

· attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others

· verbalising anti-Western or anti-British views

· advocating violence towards others

We have explored the world of deepfakes, the potential they have to be used with political agendas and the ability to incite extremism as well as encourage radicalisation and terrorism.

We have covered the threat of online material and this being one of the key drivers for Self-Initiated Terrorists. We have also looked at extremist groups that use the internet to spread their ideologies for example, incels and far right extremist groups.

We have provided students with up-to-date information through various methods during the half term. Specific information we have given:

-What is extremism, radicalisation and terrorism

-Spotting the signs

-Real life stories

-Reporting suspicious behaviour / activity

-Where / who and how to report concerns

-Prevent and the online world / extremist groups / deep fakes

-Lock Down Procedure within college

-Run, Hide and Tell

In the event you do need to report please find contacts below:

Resources for Students

prevent-police-leaflet (rotherham.gov.uk)

Teachers Booklet

Educate Against Hate

Resources for Parents

Parents booklet (educateagainsthate.com)

Channel 4 Documentary

The Secret World of Incels: UNTOLD | Channel 4

Should you have any concerns or want to read about Prevent please see links below:

ACT Early | Prevent radicalisation

Prevent | Counter Terrorism Policing