Protecting students against the threat of extremism and online exploitation can be a challenge, especially in today’s ever-changing landscape. In this post, we explore evidence-based strategies and ready-to-use resources for you to share with school staff, RSHE/PSHE curriculum leads and safeguarding teams, along with practical tips to build pupil resilience and foster parental engagement.
Creating safe spaces for dialogue
Encouraging open, structured discussion is an effective way to ensure that the classroom is an environment where pupils feel safe to explore contentious issues, without fear of judgement. Activities such as debates, role play and guided discussions on a variety of topics can help young people consider multiple perspectives, develop empathy and challenge misconceptions before they become entrenched. Crucially, these conversations allow staff to identify and address concerns early, before they become embedded. To support staff, Educate Against Hate has worked with Connect Futures to develop a suite of training resources called Building Resilience to Extremism, to help manage sensitive and controversial topics safely, through discussion games, debate formats, and roleplay scenarios. Schools may need to consider what support staff need to facilitate this.
Embedding values
Promoting fundamental British values—democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect—remains a key protective factor. However, these should not be restricted to PSHE or citizenship lessons. Instead, schools can consider how these values can be reflected across the wider curriculum and everyday school life.
Rich opportunities to explore the building blocks of extremism can include:
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Analysing historical challenges to democracy - such as during both World Wars
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Exploring identity and belonging - through literacy, poetry, and art
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Planning assemblies and circle time discussions around significant calendar events - e.g. Holocaust Memorial Day (Jan), Safer Internet Day (Feb), Hate Crime Awareness Week (Oct), Anti-Bullying Week (Nov)
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Student voice initiatives - such as school councils and mock elections can also provide a practical experience of democratic participation
Strengthening critical thinking and digital literacy
Fostering belonging and inclusion
Many pathways into radicalisation begin not with ideology, but with a search for connection or recognition. Schools can mitigate this risk by nurturing inclusive environments where all pupils feel valued. Peer mentoring, collaborative work and diverse representation all contribute to a culture where difference is respected and celebrated.
Particular attention should also be given to pupils with SEND, who may face additional vulnerabilities. While they are not inherently more at risk, factors such as social isolation can be exploited online. Strong pastoral support and inclusive practice are key. Schools can access a selection of resources to support pupils with SEND at sendsafe.lgfl.net.
A whole-school safeguarding approach
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reviewing trends from safeguarding data, filtering and monitoring systems to identify emerging risks and inform the curriculum
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fostering a positive culture of safeguarding where children feel safe to disclose, e.g. avoiding victim blaming, creating safe opportunities and emotionally available trusted adults
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championing inclusive environments that recognise vulnerable individuals' skills - certain traits and systemic factors can create specific vulnerabilities that extremist recruiters exploit – explore research and strategies to help champion inclusive environments and prevent children with neurodivergence from being radicalised here
- addressing underlying factors that could contribute to their disenfranchisement
- engaging parents and carers, ensuring families understand the digital environments their children are navigating and how to seek support. Visit parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net for a ready-to-use parent presentation, along with proven strategies to promote parental engagement
- ensuring policy is reflected in practice and not a tick-box exercise
Help and support for schools
Free training is available for DSLs and leadership teams:
