00:00My name is Sarah and my son used to be involved in extremism.
00:05Like most mums, I had no idea what extremism was or what to do about it.
00:11But now, because of the training that I've received and using my own experiences,
00:17I'm here to help you because I know exactly what you're going through because I've been there too.
00:25If you think your child is involved with the extremism, the first thing to do is to seek support.
00:32There's no use believing that it's just a phase or that you can deal with it on your own
00:37because that won't help you or your child.
00:41Your silence and your denial will just push that child further down the dark road that they're already on.
00:50Here are some important things to remember.
00:54Do not feel alone.
00:56Here at Exit UK, not only do we have staff ready and waiting to help the individuals involved,
01:02we also have staff members like me, mums who have been where you are now.
01:09And we are here waiting to give you the practical and emotional support that you'll need throughout your journey.
01:18Do not feel like you are to blame in any way.
01:21This is not your fault.
01:24Unfortunately, your child was groomed by a very deceptive organisation that prey on young and vulnerable individuals.
01:32Stay calm.
01:34I understand that you're probably out of your mind with worry and you're probably horrified by what is happening.
01:41However, try not to get angry with your child.
01:53Listen to what your child has to say.
01:56Take notes of their opinions and views.
02:00This information is vital for when we challenge those views and opinions in the future.
02:05Ask them to explain why they feel the way they do.
02:09That can give a good indication if it's their own opinion or if it's just scripted speech.
02:16Silence is not the answer.
02:18You have nothing to be ashamed of.
02:20If your child is getting into trouble at school or their grades are slipping, then it's important that you contact
02:27school and let them know what's going on.
02:30If the school knows, then they can try to form a plan that will help your child to reach their
02:36maximum potential.
02:38Because they'll no longer see them as a naughty child, but instead they'll see them as a child going through
02:44a terrible ordeal.
02:46And school can also offer you extra support and it's the pair of eyes that you need when you're not
02:53there.
02:56Never give up.
02:57I know how difficult things can be.
03:00It's draining both physically and emotionally.
03:03And sometimes you would rather your child stay in their room because the arguments and tension can be overwhelming.
03:11However, set a goal.
03:13Keep it short at first.
03:15Say around 30 minutes a day.
03:17And just spend that time with your child.
03:20Watch a TV program together or eat a meal together.
03:24Focus on the positives.
03:26And avoid getting onto controversial topics or debates.
03:31Try to find a common interest and focus on that.
03:36And finally, remind your child that you love them and that you'll always be there for them no matter what.
03:44Extremist groups often convince children that their parents aren't there for them and that they have been shunned by society
03:50and that the only place that child is respected, appreciated and belongs is with them.
03:58See you next time.
03:58See you next time.
03:58See you next time.
03:59See you next time.
