The researchers interviewed 31 experts, including school teachers and leaders, academics, and civil society organisations and found six key approaches that are most effective in building resilience to radicalisation and extremism – a key part of the Prevent duty for schools and further education settings.
Citizenship education gives children and young people a legitimate voice in society. By understanding how democracy works, they can engage meaningfully with the issues that matter to them – reducing feelings of powerlessness that can sometimes lead to engagement with harmful ideologies.
Open classroom environments where students are supported to come to their own conclusions are most effective, and emphasis on local contexts can promote a sense of belonging.
In an age of information overload, critical thinking and media literacy are essential. These skills help students identify misinformation and challenge extremist narratives.
Experts agree – it’s not enough to just teach students how to spot fake news. What really helps is showing them how information is created, how it can be questioned, and how our own thinking can be influenced – especially online. When students understand how social media works and why certain posts show up in their feeds, they are better able to judge what’s true and what’s not.
Structured identity exploration allows young people to reflect on how media, relationships, and social groups shape their sense of self. A strong, positive identity can build resilience against extremist narratives that exploit feelings of isolation or offer a false sense of purpose.
Tools like identity mapping – which visually represent different aspects of who we are – can help students appreciate the complexity of their own identities and those of others.
A whole school approach ensures that democratic values, inclusivity, and open dialogue are reflected in every aspect of school life – from behaviour policies to curriculum.
Ask yourself:
- Are students experiencing democracy, not just learning about it?
- Do behaviour policies align with the values taught in the classroom?
- Are students given real opportunities to participate in decision-making?
School councils, student-led initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving can all reinforce the principles of citizenship education and make them tangible.
Structured, teacher-facilitated discussions allow students to express their views, listen actively, and engage constructively with differing perspectives. This not only builds empathy and critical thinking but also helps address grievances before they escalate.
Embedding open dialogue across subjects can make a significant difference in how students process complex issues and relate to others. Educators and leaders could explore whether there are more opportunities to introduce structured opportunities for open dialogue throughout various subjects in the curriculum, ensuring that teachers feel confident to facilitate these sessions.
Finally, fostering meaningful interactions between diverse groups is essential. It’s not enough for students to simply share space – they need to collaborate on common goals. Community projects, volunteering, and school events can create shared experiences that build trust and reduce prejudice.
Final Thoughts
Building resilience to radicalisation and extremism is more than a Prevent requirement – it’s a pathway to a more inclusive, resilient, and democratic society.
If you’re a teacher or school leader, consider how these approaches could be woven into your school’s ethos, curriculum and community engagement.