Bath researchers demand action on online extremism affecting children as young as 11
Current measures are said to be inadequate to combat emerging online threats
Researchers at the University of Bath are calling for immediate action to tackle the growing threat of online extremism targeting children as young as 11.
According to Professor Laura Smith from the Department of Psychology and co-director of the University's Institute for Digital Security & Behaviour (IDSB), current frameworks like the UK's Prevent programme are insufficient for addressing the complexities of online extremism in the digital age.
Prof. Smith commented on a new report published by the House of Commons' Home Affairs Committee, which warns the country is underprepared to deal with extremism online.
“Our research at the Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour shows that online extremism today is not straightforwardly driven by ideology and occurs with a variety of other harms mediated by the design of online platforms,” Prof. Smith said.
She added the report calls for coordinated, multiagency policies to protect young people from exploitation and grooming, moving beyond single-threat approaches.
The inquiry highlights how influencer content and social media algorithms are fuelling new extremist belief systems. The Home Affairs Committee argues that small digital platforms are not being adequately regulated.
Dame Karen Bradley, chair of the committee, stated existing Prevent programme functions were established in a different era. They now face challenges presented by mixed narratives and need support to address non-ideological motivations prevalent today.
“A comprehensive structure implemented nationwide is essential, with joint efforts from police, health, education and local government services,” Dame Karen said, emphasising the need to stop “siloed approaches.”
The committee noted influencers are spreading harmful content through humour, memes and coded language, guiding users towards unmoderated and encrypted platforms.
Recommendations include teaching digital skills to children and adults for better judgement of online content and setting up a long-term extremism research programme by the Home Office.
Responding to the report and calls from Bath researchers, a Home Office spokesperson stated:
“All forms of extremism have absolutely no place in our society. We are delivering a fundamental reset in how we approach countering extremism so that we can keep the public safe.”
The spokesperson added the Government is strengthening its visa taskforce to stop foreign extremists, dismantling networks nationwide, and providing frontline staff with tools to tackle extremism effectively.