Protecting Children from Radicalisation: National Study Calls on Professionals to Take Part

A new Australian research project is inviting professionals who work with children to take part in a national survey exploring how educational settings can help address early signs of radicalisation and vulnerability to violent extremism.

About the Study

The study, titled The Role of Educational Settings in Addressing Child Vulnerabilities to Early Forms of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism (known as EFERVE), is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. It is being led by a multidisciplinary research team from the University of New England and Macquarie University, drawing on expertise in the sociology of education, early childhood education, criminology, international security, and neuroscience.

The project has been approved by the University of New England Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number HE-2026-2964-5862).

Why This Research Matters

Very little is currently known about Australian children’s exposure to early forms of radicalisation and violent extremism during early childhood education and the primary school years. Yet those working closest to children — teachers, carers, wellbeing staff and liaison officers — are often the first to notice warning signs or navigate difficult conversations with families.

Having already completed a round of consultation interviews, the research team is now launching a national survey to build a broader, evidence-based picture of professional perspectives from across the country. The findings will directly inform the development of practical, age-appropriate professional development resources for the sector.

Who Can Take Part

The survey is open to professionals in the following roles:

• Early childhood educators and preschool directors
• Primary school teachers and principals
• Student wellbeing professionals, including school psychologists, counsellors and social workers
• Police-school liaison officers

What’s Involved

Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The online survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

How to Participate

Eligible professionals can access the Participant Information Sheet and the survey itself via the link below:

👉 Complete the EFERVE National Survey

Organisations and networks connected to early childhood education, schools, or child wellbeing services are encouraged to share this invitation with their members through newsletters, websites, or community forums, to help the research team reach as many eligible professionals as possible.

By contributing their perspectives, professionals on the front lines of child safety have an opportunity to directly shape the resources and support available to their sector in the years ahead.

Source:  University of New England