Challenge extremism and conquer your fears

According to a survey of 20,000 15-21-year olds, 83% believe that extremism and global terrorism is the greatest threat to their future. Following the recent terrorist incidents in both Christchurch, New Zealand and Utrecht, The Netherlands, we discuss the risks and practical ways to deal with the fear, anger and other issues surrounding terrorism and extremism.

Terrorism is violent and scary, and it’s natural to worry about it, but the risk of being caught up in a terrorist incident is minimal when compared to other statistics. In the US and Western Europe, people are more likely to be killed by falling down the stairs (1,307 deaths per year), hot tap water (100 deaths per year), bee stings (100 deaths per year) or using mobile phones whilst driving (2,920 deaths per year) than by a terrorist attack (7 deaths per year in the UK).

That said, terrorist attacks are happening and there are people with extremist views on politics and / or religion. What can we do to allay our fears and to challenge extremism if we encounter it?

We can’t change what has happened in the past, but you can change what happens in the future.