Anti-radicalisation scheme to be rolled out in schools

The University of Kent has designed an online programme aimed at preventing young people being radicalised is to be rolled out across the country. The Home Office is backing the development of the programme which will be used in schools from 2018. Behind Closed Doors uses real news footage and simulated social media-style clips to highlight the dangers of grooming for radicalisation, including the subjects of far right extremism and terrorism. The programme follows the online social media life of 15-year-old Maryam and her sisters, and the online and personal relationships of Joe, 20, and his family. The stories focus on grooming processes and what to do to help safeguard the young people. Participants will be asked how the characters are being groomed. A Home Office spokesperson said: “It is important that schools make sure young people and teachers are properly equipped to build resilience to radicalisation. We know that individuals are increasingly being targeted by terrorists online and that is why it is incredibly important to safeguard young people on the internet.”