What are extremism and terrorism?
Extremism is a very hard, one-sided view. An extremist says: "Only my group is right. Everyone else is an enemy." The person does not accept talk, laws or other opinions, and may use hate or force.
Terrorism means using violence or threats of violence to spread fear among many people, so that a government or society gives in to demands. Terrorists often attack people who have nothing to do with their anger.
Having a strong opinion is fine. You can argue, vote, write and protest peacefully. It becomes extremism when a group says hurting people is allowed.
Signs of recruitment
Recruitment means pulling a person into a dangerous group. It usually happens slowly, often online or through a "friend".
- Too much kindness: gifts, praise, "you are special".
- Secrets: "Do not tell your parents or teacher."
- Us against them: other people are called bad, dirty or enemies.
- Pressure and fear: "If you are not with us, you are against us."
- Cutting you off: you start leaving old friends and family.
- Hate videos or posts sent again and again.
- Requests for money, errands or hiding things.
Anyone can be targeted, especially someone who feels lonely or angry. It is not your fault.
How to protect yourself: Stop, Think, Tell
Stop: do not reply or meet a stranger who asks for secrecy. Think: why is this person being so nice? Why must it be a secret? Tell: speak to a parent, teacher or school counsellor. Report the account or group on the app.
Also: never share personal details with strangers online, check where a video comes from, and keep spending time with friends and hobbies. Telling an adult is brave, not "tale-telling".
Safe behaviour in public places
Stay calm and aware, not scared.
- When you enter a station, mall or hall, look for two exits.
- See a bag or box nobody owns? Do not touch, open or move it. Walk away, warn others calmly and tell staff, a guard or the police.
- Follow checks at gates and stay in line. Guards are there to protect you.
- Do not take photos of a danger scene or spread rumours. Wait for official news.
- Keep your phone charged and know your emergency number (112 works in India and many other countries; use your local number).
What to do during a terrorist attack
Remember RUN, HIDE, TELL.
- Run: if a safe exit is near, leave at once. Leave your bag. Help others come along but do not wait for them. Keep your hands visible when police arrive.
- Hide: if you cannot run, go into a room, shut and lock the door, put heavy furniture against it, switch off lights, put the phone on silent and stay quiet and low.
- Tell: when it is safe, call 112 (or your local number). Say where you are, what you saw and how many people are with you. Stay on the line if you can.
After it: follow police and rescue staff, help the injured if you know first aid, and talk to an adult or counsellor. Feeling shaky afterwards is normal.
Try it
Practise at home: say your emergency number and your full address aloud. Next time you enter a shop or bus, name the two nearest exits in your head. Role-play with a friend: one asks you to keep a secret from parents; you answer "Stop, think, tell".
Key formulas and definitions
- Extremism = a one-sided view + pressure, hate or force against others
- Terrorism = violence or threats to frighten many people for a goal
- Online: STOP, THINK, TELL
- In danger: RUN, HIDE, TELL
- Emergency: call 112 (or your local number)
Worked examples
1. A new online friend gives you gifts and says, "Do not tell your parents about us." Which warning signs are these?
Too much kindness (gifts) and a request for secrecy. Both are recruitment signs. Stop replying and tell a trusted adult.
2. You see a bag under a bench at a railway station. Nobody is near it. What do you do?
Do not touch or open it. Walk away calmly, warn people near you not to touch it, and tell a guard, staff member or police. Then follow their instructions.
3. During an attack in a mall you are near a safe exit. What do you do, and what do you leave behind?
Run. Go out through the exit at once, leave your bag and belongings, and call 112 when you are safe.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a strong opinion is always extremism. Peaceful disagreement is normal; extremism accepts hate or force.
- Touching or opening an unattended bag out of curiosity.
- Keeping a worrying chat secret because you fear being blamed.
- Stopping to pick up bags or take videos while escaping.