Terrorism and Extremism
Terrorism and extremism are sometimes used interchangeably. Both pose a threat to students but they have very distinct definitions.
Terrorism is an action or threat designed to influence the government or intimidate the public. Its purpose is to advance a political, religious or ideological cause. The current UK definition of terrorism is given in the Terrorism Act 2006.
In the UK we define terrorism as a violent action that:
- Endangers a person’s life
- Involves serious violence against a person
- Causes serious damage to property
- Creates a serious risk to the public’s health and safety
- Interferes with or seriously disrupts an electronic system
How does terrorism differ from extremism
On 14 March 2024 the government announced a new definition of extremism that says:
“Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
- (1) negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
- (2) undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
- (3) intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).”
This updated definition of extremism will be used by government departments and officials alongside a set of engagement principles, to ensure Government is not inadvertently providing a platform, funding or legitimacy to groups or individuals who attempt to advance extremist ideologies.
Currently, The scope of the definition and principles is UK ministerial central government departments only, so the Department for Education (DfE) are not asking any education settings to adopt the definition or apply the principles.
Instead, schools should continue to follow existing statutory guidance on safeguarding and the Prevent Duty and implement their policies in the same way.
The DfE will be reviewing existing guidance to account for the recent announcement in due course to consider changes.
Schools and colleges should also actively promote fundamental British values
Schools and colleges are also required to actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs. Ofsted inspects how well schools and colleges promote these values.
It’s important to remember that not all extremist groups, whether Islamist, extreme right-wing, mixed and unclear ideologies, or other, will commit terrorist or violent acts. However, some groups pose particular threats, both online and offline.