According to new figures from the Home Office, school-aged children, particularly boys, now make up the largest group of those deemed most at risk to radicalisation.
Experts suggest this rise could be caused by the pandemic, with lockdown causing children to be isolated from friends, schools and youth groups, leading them to spend longer periods of time unsupervised online.
When the online space presents so many risks, the role of grassroots community organisations has never been more important.
Odd Arts is a Manchester-based organisation dedicated to tackling hateful extremism and making meaningful societal change. We use theatre and the arts as a tool to explore extremist ideologies and empower vulnerable individuals and communities to challenge them.
We are currently developing work to address extreme misogyny and the impact this is having on young men, and young women.
By working within the education, criminal justice and health sectors, we aim to build more cohesive and safer communities. We aim to safeguard individuals who are vulnerable, including those who are at increased risk of radicalisation.
We do this through exploring grievances, unmet needs and root causes for hateful and dangerous beliefs. We use theatre to try out new communication skills and tactics for effective early prevention for people most at risk.
We also offer training programmes for front line staff, including teachers, upskilling them in how to hold challenging conversations around issues such as hate crime, radicalisation and hateful extremism.
Without effective, well considered education and support, extremist ideologies and movements will continue to materialise and spread. We cannot (and should not) ignore them.
They cause immeasurable harm and pain to those people that hateful extremism is targeting; but also, to the (often young) people who are groomed into believing these dangerous ideologies.
Those who are radicalised are vulnerable and often isolated, and it is vital we both support and challenge them. However, we also believe a whole societal approach to is most effective in preventing radicalisation – where teachers, youth workers and bystanders have the skills to divert young people from radicalisation through offering alternative (positive) ways for them to belong, understand the world, have a strong sense of identity and feel connected and purpose in society.
We need schools, parents and the authorities to join our efforts. By acting early, sharing concerns and seeking support, we can save lives.
Odd Arts has delivered workshops (which are challenging, often uncomfortable, but also safe) to thousands of teachers and students.
Across the board, the findings show that people leave the space feeling not only that they have a better understanding of what radicalisation is, but also how they personally can make changes to address its risk.
“It provided me with more of an insight into radicalisation and I feel more confident to offer support”.
“I was captivated by the workshop. The things being talked about have really made me think. It has given me useful strategies to use in the classroom”.
“It was a really fantastic opportunity to explore some of these ideas – I’ve never gotten such a clear sense of how to approach someone with radicalised views before.”
Anonymous workshop participant
To find out more including upcoming workshops Odd Arts are delivering across Greater Manchester, please visit https://oddarts.co.uk/
