The Educator Magazine U.K. May-August 2026 issue. - Magazine - Page 28
Address online risks directly
Support identity and belonging
Use resources to support teaching
Many extremist narratives now spread
through digital platforms. Memes, short
videos and influencer-style content are
often used to present harmful ideas in
ways that appear humorous or relatable.
Gaming platforms can also be used by
individuals seeking to build relationships
with young people before introducing
extremist views.
Many radicalisation pathways begin with
a search for identity and belonging rather
than ideology
A number of organisations provide
resources to help schools address
extremism and online safety in the
classroom.
Young people spend a huge amount of
time online, and extremists understand
that. Educating pupils about these tactics
- and encouraging them to question what
they see online - is important.
Recognise emerging online trends
In addition to traditional forms of
extremism, new online subcultures are
increasingly appearing in safeguarding
data.
Recent statistics from the Home Office
show that cases involving mixed, unstable
or unclear ideologies now account for
more than 40% of referrals to Prevent,
the UK’s government-led, multi-agency
programme designed to stop people
from becoming terrorists or supporting
terrorism.
Young people who feel isolated or
excluded may be more vulnerable to
groups that promise recognition or
community. Extremists are often very
effective at exploiting feelings of grievance
or marginalisation.
Schools can reduce this vulnerability by
creating inclusive environments where all
pupils feel valued and respected
Collaborative projects, peer mentoring
programmes and opportunities for
meaningful interaction between diverse
groups of students can help strengthen a
sense of belonging.
Support pupils with SEND
Some pupils may face additional
vulnerabilities online, including those
with special educational needs or
neurodivergent profiles.
Prevent referral data suggests that around
one-third involve individuals with an
identified mental health need or
neurodiversity.
They may appear harmless initially but
can gradually introduce more extreme
viewpoints.
This does not mean neurodivergent
individuals are more likely to become
extremists. However, certain traits such as social isolation or a preference
or structured explanations - may
sometimes be exploited by manipulative
individuals who use deceptive tactics,
emotional coercion, and strategic
behaviours to control situations, influence
others, and satisfy their own needs at the
expense of others
Helping pupils understand how online
communities influence attitudes is an
important part of digital literacy education.
Providing inclusive environments and
strong pastoral support can help reduce
these risks.
These cases may involve a combination
of conspiracy theories, grievance-based
narratives or misogynistic online
communities sometimes referred to as
the “manosphere”. Many of these
narratives are presented through humour,
memes or online trends.
Edtech charity The National Grid for
Learning and the Educate Against Hate
programme both offer free teaching
materials, lesson plans and guidance
designed to support educators in
discussing complex issues with pupils.
Scenario-based activities, case studies
and digital literacy resources can help
teachers lead informed discussions about
misinformation, hate speech and
responsible online behaviour.
A whole-school safeguarding approach
Ultimately, combating extremism requires
a whole-school approach that extends
beyond individual lessons.
Safeguarding data, monitoring systems
and regular conversations with pupils can
help schools identify emerging risks and
adapt their curriculum accordingly.
Engaging parents and carers is also
important, ensuring families understand
the digital environments their children are
navigating.
The goal is clear: equip young people
with the knowledge and confidence to
challenge harmful narratives. When pupils
feel heard, respected and able to question
what they see online, they are far less likely
to be drawn into extremist ideologies.
In today’s digital world, helping young
people develop those skills is one of the
most important most important forms of
safeguarding schools can provide.
