When we see news about violent protests or extremist movements, it’s easy to wonder: how do ordinary people get drawn into these groups? The answer often lies in something happening right under our noses online radicalisation.
What Exactly Is Online Radicalisation?
Online radicalisation is when people gradually adopt extreme views through their internet use. It’s not what most people imagine.
It doesn’t start with violent or shocking content. Instead, it begins innocently, with a trending video, a popular post, or a heated online debate about something people already care about.
The danger is in how it progresses. Social media algorithms, online influencers, and digital communities slowly guide people toward more extreme content. For young people still figuring out who they are and where they belong, this process can happen surprisingly fast.
A Real Example: How It Works
Let’s look at Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) as an example. He’s a far-right activist who founded the English Defence League and is known for his anti-Islamic views.
Even though he’s been banned from many platforms, Robinson still reaches huge audiences:
- Twitter/X: 1.5-1.6 million followers (was banned but got reinstated)
- Telegram: Over 135,000 subscribers in private channels
- YouTube: About 321,000 followers (with restrictions)
- Banned from: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and PayPal
Despite all these bans, he can still reach millions of people instantly. This shows how hard it is to completely stop online influence.
How a Recent London Protest Spread Online
A recent large protest in London didn’t happen by accident. Here’s how it grew online:
- Twitter/X was the main stage – Robinson posted instructions, live updates, and hashtags that went viral
- Telegram became the private meeting room – Supporters moved to private groups where conversations became more extreme
- YouTube spread the message – Livestreams and video clips reached audiences worldwide
Other influencers and media figures helped boost the visibility, making hashtags trend and videos go viral. After the public rally, the really extreme discussions moved to private Telegram chats where they’re much harder to monitor.
This is the typical pattern: use public platforms to hook people in, then move them to private spaces to deepen the influence.
Where Can This Happen?
Radicalisation can start almost anywhere online:
- Mainstream platforms like Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok
- Private messaging apps like Telegram or Discord
- Gaming platforms and chat rooms
- Forums and unmoderated websites
Basically, any online space where young people spend time could expose them to extremist ideas.
Why Parents and Teachers Should Care
Here’s the key point: Children don’t just watch content, they become shaped by the content they consume.
Constant exposure to one-sided, extreme narratives changes how young people see the world. What starts as innocent curiosity on a mainstream platform can quickly move to private spaces where radicalisation gets much more intense—and much harder for adults to spot.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Radicalisation doesn’t happen overnight, and the early signs can be subtle. Here’s what to look out for:
Behavioral changes:
- Spending much more time online, especially in private chats
- Being secretive about who they talk to online or what platforms they use
- Sudden changes in beliefs, mood, or friend groups
- Pulling away from family or usual activities
Language changes:
- Justifying violence or aggression
- Repeating what sound like “scripted” talking points
- Using distinctive phrases or slogans
Common phrases that should raise questions:
- “We want our country back”
- “Never surrender”
- “Keep me English”
- “Send them home”
- “Protecting our culture”
- “Stop the boats”
If you hear language like this, don’t ignore it. Be curious. Ask where they picked it up and what it means to them.
What You Can Do
The good news is that parents and teachers can make a real difference:
Start conversations – Ask young people who they follow online and why those voices appeal to them.
Build critical thinking skills – Help them understand that just because something is popular or has lots of likes doesn’t make it true.
Pay attention to changes – Watch for sudden shifts in mood, beliefs, or the language they use.
Understand the process – Remember that public platforms are often just the gateway—the real radicalisation happens in private spaces.
Get support when needed – Resources like ACT Early and Educate Against Hate offer guidance for concerned adults.
The Bottom Line
Here’s what every parent and teacher needs to understand: Radicalisation doesn’t start in dark corners of the internet. It starts in plain sight on the same apps and websites our children use every day.
The first step in protecting young people is simply being aware that this process exists and knowing what to look for. With the right knowledge and attention, adults can help guide young people toward healthier online experiences and away from extremist influences.
Remember: awareness and open conversation are your best tools for prevention.
