NSPCC extends support line to parents worried about extremism

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has trained its counsellors to help parents who fear their children may be becoming radicalised. The charity’s free 24-hour support line will now be open to advising parents who are worried about extremists grooming their children. The counsellors have been warned to spot potential signs such as children becoming isolated; talking as if from a scripted speech; being easily angered; and becoming disrespectful and asking inappropriate questions. The NSPCC confirmed it had already started receiving calls from people who were worried about the issue. The training involved highlighting how extremist recruiters are likely to ’befriend vulnerable targets, feed them ideologies and - in the worst-case scenario - persuade them to commit terrorist attacks.’ In particular, the programme warned that ponytail targets were often low self-esteem, were members of gangs, or were victims of bullying or discrimination. Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: "The fact that a young person might hold extreme or radical views is not a safeguarding issue in itself. "But when young people are groomed for extremist purposes and encouraged to commit acts that could hurt themselves or others, then it becomes abuse."