Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.
The Prevent Strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme far-right wing and extreme Islamist groups.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools and parents?
From July 2015 all schools have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremism and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
The Prevent Strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. However, it is about teaching children the British Values such as Rule of Law, Democracy, Individual Liberty , Tolerance and Mutual respect.
We do many age appropriate things in school to help students become positive, happy members of society, which also contributes to the Prevent Strategy. These include:
Exploring other cultures, religions and promoting diversity; Challenging prejudices and racists comments;
Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity; Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students, as well as British values such as democracy.
Staff being aware of the vulnerable pupils within their cohort. We also aim to protect students from the risk of radicalisation, for example, using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with students
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss any issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
Children are spending more time than ever on social media and gaming platforms so it is no surprise that online grooming by extremists is on the rise. Young people are especially being targeted by groups and individuals promoting violence and hatred.
Helping your child be digitally savvy and knowing the signs of radicalisation will help keep them safe and protect them from potential risks.