The Educator Magazine U.K. May-August 2026 issue. - Magazine - Page 26
Addressing extremism
in educational settings
polarised and harmful content. Research
from the UK communications regulator
Ofcom found that around half of children
aged 12–15 report encountering hateful
material online, including content
targeting people because of their race,
religion, gender or sexuality.
Protecting students against the threat
of extremism and online exploitation
can be a challenge, especially in today’s
everchanging landscape. In this article,
Mubina Asaria, Online Safeguarding
Consultant at edtech charity LGfL The National Grid for Learning, explores
evidence-based strategies and
ready-to-use resources designed to
empower school staff and practitioners.
Schools across the UK are increasingly
confronting the challenge of protecting
young people from extremist narratives
and harmful online content. While
radicalisation may once have seemed
a distant concern, recent national data
suggests it is becoming an important
safeguarding issue within education.
Statistics published by the Home Office
show that 8,778 individuals were referred
to the UK’s counter-extremism safeguarding programme Prevent in the year
ending March 2025, representing a 27%
increase on the previous year. Children
and young people make up a significant proportion of those referrals, with
11–15-year-olds representing the largest
group identified as potentially vulnerable
to radicalisation.
Schools are often the first to identify
concerns. Government figures show the
education sector accounts for around
36% of Prevent referrals, highlighting the
key role teachers and school leaders play
in recognising risks early.
At the same time, the digital environment
is exposing young people to increasingly
- is another important protective factor
against extremism.
These values should not be confined to a
single subject or lesson - they should be
reflected across the culture of the school
and students should see these values
demonstrated in everyday school life.
Data from the Department for Education
shows that more than 11,000 pupils were
suspended for racist behaviour in a single
year, with incidents recorded across both
secondary and primary settings.
There are many opportunities across
the curriculum to reinforce these themes.
Literature can explore issues of identity,
discrimination and belonging.
For safeguarding specialists, these trends
underline an important point: schools
are now one of the most important
environments for preventing extremist
narratives from taking hold.
History lessons can examine moments
when democracy was challenged or
defended. Geography can prompt
discussions about migration, global
communities and cultural diversity.
Education plays a vital role in helping
young people develop resilience to
extremist ideas before they escalate
into safeguarding concerns. Schools are
uniquely placed to help young people
develop the confidence and critical
thinking skills they need to challenge
harmful narratives.
Activities such as student councils, mock
elections and pupil voice initiatives can
also help young people experience
democratic participation first-hand.
Below are some key strategies, tips and
resources educators can use to
strengthen their classroom approach.
Create safe spaces for discussion
One of the most effective ways schools
can address extremism is by encouraging
open dialogue in the classroom.
Research referenced by the Educate
Against Hate programme highlights the
importance of creating environments
where students feel able to explore
difficult or controversial topics safely.
When pupils feel able to talk openly
about challenging issues, they are far
more likely to develop balanced
perspectives. Debates, structured
discussions and role-play activities
can provide opportunities for pupils
to examine different viewpoints and
develop empathy. These conversations
also allow teachers to address
misconceptions early before they
become more deeply embedded.
Embed British values across the
curriculum
Promoting Fundamental British Values
- democracy, the rule of law, individual
liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance
Strengthen critical thinking skills
In an era where young people are
constantly exposed to online information,
developing strong critical thinking skills
is essential. But critical thinking needs
to go beyond simply checking whether
something online is true or false. Students
also need to understand the motives
behind the information they see.
Encouraging pupils to ask questions such
as What is actually going on here? What
are the techniques used for persuasion
here? Are any laws being broken? can
help them recognise manipulation and
misinformation.
Teaching these skills helps young people
become more confident in evaluating
online information and less vulnerable to
extremist messaging.
Going too Far - co-developed by LGfL
and the DfE - has been designed to help
students understand how certain online
behaviour may be offensive, dangerous
or illegal. Aimed at secondary school
teachers, the resource also contains
elements that can be easily adapted for
primary schools. In each section there is
a starter video featuring subject experts,
scenario-based activities and case studies
to provide context so students can
explore potential risks, whether gaming
or on social media, and reflect on the
implications these could have.
