Muslim mothers learn to spot if their children are being radicalized on the Internet

by: Salaam

Tue Feb 10, 2009 at 10:21:37 AM EST

'The difficult reality is that children can be 'groomed' online - either by would-be sexual predators or people with extremist views - so we want to promote an honest discussion between children and parents about the Internet.'

Muslim mothers are being taught how to spot if their children are being radicalised on the Internet.

Parents will be told to monitor their children's behaviour while they are online to check if they become secretive about their web use, shut down browsers suddenly, delete emails or act withdrawn or difficult after being on the computer.

Harrow Council has set up the e-safety course to give parents advice on how to tell if their teens are downloading extremist material.

Chris Mote, who is responsible for community and cultural services at the London local authority, said it was futile to try and filter or control what children see on the web because children are so adept at covering their tracks.

"We want mums to be aware of the full range of what's available on the web, both good and bad," he said.

"The difficult reality is that children can be 'groomed' online - either by would-be sexual predators or people with extremist views - so we want to promote an honest discussion between children and parents about the Internet."

The course is being funded by the Government under its initiative to prevent violent extremism.

It will also cover more general safety advice on the use of internet messaging, social networking websites and chat rooms, such as the standard guidance not to give out personal details - no matter how friendly an online stranger might appear.

A group of 30 mothers, ranging from people in their twenties to those in their sixties, has signed up for the one-day session.

Story here.

Salaam :: Muslim mothers learn to spot if their children are being radicalized on the Internet