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What to Do If You Think Someone Is Being Radicalised
- Flick Learning
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
Radicalisation is a process, not a single event. It happens gradually as a person adopts extreme beliefs, attitudes, or ideologies that justify or support harmful or violent actions.
Because radicalisation increasingly happens online, people can become incrementally exposed to certain viewpoints they wouldn’t otherwise agree with. The content or groups a person associates with push them further and further from their original position, potentially alienating them from existing friends, family, or communities.
The problem is growing.
In 2025, there were 8,778 referrals to the UK Prevent programme, a 27% rise from the previous year. So, what should you do if someone you know is being radicalised? What signs should you look for? And how can you help them?
In this post we'll help you:
Recognising the Early Warning Signs of Radicalisation
Radicalisation is not a specific pattern of behaviour or a certain set of beliefs. Rather, it is a pattern of change over time. It’s crucial not to jump to assumptions or become alarmed because a person disagrees with you. Look for the underlying trends and whether there is an element of harm or violence within the ideas.
If you want a more exact definition, check out our article: What is Radicalisation?
Behavioural Shifts and Sudden Isolation
One of the main problems with radicalisation is isolation. People gradually go down a “rabbit hole” that causes them to withdraw from friends, family, and established social groups. Indeed, there may even be marked hostility towards others, as alternative viewpoints threaten their newfound beliefs.
Part of the withdrawal is often a loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities, as the person becomes increasingly fixated on the ideological position.
Changes in Language and "Us vs. Them" Rhetoric
Most people disagree with others on a particular topic. The difference between respectful disagreement and radicalisation is often the divisiveness of the language. Alternative viewpoints or other groups are seen as enemies or potential threats.
The other aspect is an inability to engage with criticism or consider alternative viewpoints. As people become more entrenched in an ideology, they may begin repeating extremist talking points without seriously engaging with counterarguments.
Any challenge to those beliefs can trigger a defensive or hostile response.
Increased Secrecy Regarding Online Activity
There’s a fine line between privacy and secrecy. However, if a person is hiding online behaviour, spending a significant amount of time consuming extremist content, or becoming unusually defensive when asked about their online activities, it may be a sign of radicalisation.
Using encrypted platforms or multiple accounts is not necessarily a cause for concern on its own. However, when combined with other warning signs, such as increasing isolation or secrecy, it may indicate a deeper level of involvement with extremist ideas.
How to Have a Safe and Constructive Conversation
Choosing the Right Time and Environment
Picking the moment to have a conversation matters a lot.
Having a conversation after a few drinks can often get heated. A public setting might even exacerbate the issue. But starting a casual conversation in the comfort of a living room when emotions aren’t running high has a much greater chance of success.
Remember, you want to keep things as calm as possible. The moment emotions flare, the chance of a good conversation evaporates.
Using Active Listening Instead of Confrontation
Psychological research has shown that direct confrontation can sometimes cause people to become more entrenched in their existing beliefs. This is especially true when a person builds their identity upon a particular belief system.
For that reason, active listening is often more effective than confrontation. You’re not trying to start an argument (see below) but encourage a discussion. Asking open-ended questions, showing curiosity without judgement, or “playing Devil’s advocate” is much more likely to be effective than getting someone’s defences up.
Avoiding the "Argument Trap"
Arguments are often treated as a competition, with one person trying to win and the other trying not to lose. Nobody wants to “lose an argument.”
That’s why conversations about radicalisation should sidestep the argument trap. Often, it triggers emotions and forces people to become defensive. Instead, frame the conversation about well-being. Talk about the isolation or ask why they stopped attending a certain activity.
“Why did you stop hanging out with X? You used to enjoy seeing them” is more effective than “Do you really believe Y? Don’t you understand how dangerous that is.”
Professional Support and Intervention Paths
The 3 steps for raising concerns about radicalisation:
Observe and document patterns of behaviour.
Have a safe, constructive conversation where appropriate.
Escalate concerns through appropriate safeguarding or support channels.
Understanding the Role of Local Support Services
You’re not alone in dealing with radicalisation.
Depending on your situation, schools, community organisations, and safeguarding teams can offer help. They don’t even need to get involved. You can speak to these organisations for advice on how to talk to a particular individual.
Early intervention works better than waiting. If you’re unsure how to act, local support services can give you the tools to get started.
When to Contact Non-Emergency Helplines
You don’t need to report someone simply because they hold strong political, religious, or social views. The risk is when those views are accompanied by other warning signs such as increasing isolation, hostility towards others, engagement with extremist content, or expressions of support for violence.
It’s best to contact non-emergency helplines when there is a repeated pattern of behaviour. However, they can provide useful advice to help determine whether further intervention is necessary.
When is Immediate Action Required?
Immediate action is only necessary when there is evidence that someone intends to harm themselves or others. That could be credible threats of violence, attempting to obtain weapons, or actively encouraging terrorist activity.
Caring for Your Own Mental Health
Dealing with someone who is radicalised can be emotionally draining. It’s not easy to hear violent or hateful rhetoric. If you are taking on this responsibility, it’s important to recognise your own limits. Take time to decompress afterwards, find someone you can talk to, and avoid taking sole responsibility for the situation.
The more support you get, the easier it is to deal with.
Building Awareness Through Training
There’s a growing understanding of radicalisation throughout society. But many cases still go unnoticed because people lack the confidence to recognise the warning signs of radicalisation or are unsure how to respond appropriately.
That’s where training is essential.
flick offers a range of educational courses, including radicalisation training, equipping staff with everything they need to understand the indicators of radicalisation, the importance of safeguarding, and the correct reporting pathways.
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