A helpline for parents worried about radicalisation and the impact of terrorism has been set up by the NSPCC. Parents and guardians can call the 24-hour number for free and ask NSPCC counsellors for advice on spotting signs their children might be being radicalised. The launch of the helpline follows a spate of recent terrorist attacks across the world which NSPCC bosses claim highlights the growing problem of individuals being influenced by extremism. Before the service was launched, the only means adults had to raise concerns about radicalisation and terrorism was through Government agencies such as MI5 and police-led anti-terror hotlines. The helpline will replace this as the first national point of support for parents who wish to talk about the worries their children might have about terrorism. The NSPCC had already received calls from adults wanting advice and parents will now be able to speak to counsellors trained in spotting in the warning signs of radicalisation. Part of this training was provided by Home Office experts and detailed how recruiters target vulnerable children, feed them ideologies and even persuade them to commit terrorist attacks. According to the NSPCC, signs of radicalisation parents need to look out for include children isolating themselves, talking as if from a scripted speech as well as becoming increasingly angry and disrespectful. One caller told NSPCC counsellors that she was ‘worried’ about a child she knows. “I fear that they may start holding extremist beliefs because I’ve heard her saying some worrying things,” she told them. “She’s also showing changes in behaviour and appears to be more aggressive towards her parents. “I’m not sure how to approach this as I know the family well however, I don’t think staying silent is an option in the current climate.” The charity says particularly vulnerable children are those with low self-esteem who may be victims of bullying, discrimination or who are members of gangs. Radicals target these vulnerable children, experts say, and encourage them to cut themselves off from families and friends. Counsellors will also advise parents on how to reassure a child who is concerned about terrorism or upset by the recent attacks such as the Munich shooting on Friday. Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “We have seen a wave of terrorist attacks in recent weeks and months and both parents and children tell us how frightened they are by what is happening. “It is vital that we are here for parents when they need our support and are able to provide them with non-judgemental advice on issues ranging from the wider terrorist threat to the dangers of radicalisation. “When young people are groomed for extremist purposes and encouraged to commit acts that could hurt themselves or others, then it becomes abuse. “That’s why we’ve trained our counsellors to cope with this fresh danger to young people.”
The NSPCC has set up a free 24-hour helpline for parents to seek advice on spotting signs their children might be being radicalised. The helpline's launch has come as a result of various recent terrorist attacks being carried out by individuals who have been influenced by Islamic extremism. A spokesman said: "We are aware that there is an increased number of people coming forward with concerns about the impact of extremism in schools and we want all concerned parties – parents, schools, communities and authorities -