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This podcast episode explores what the term incel means and what defines incel culture and ideology in this emerging form of gender based violent extremism. The Incel community has grown to be deeply ideological, promoting hate and violence against women across social media platforms and is becoming a growing cause of concern across the world. We chat with UK filmmaker and journalist Benjamin Zand. In his film featured on Four Corners he takes us into the dark world of Incels, a radical online subculture of young men who rage against women for supposedly denying them sex and then turn that rage into fantasies about horrific violence. The question is whether Incels pose a serious violent extremist threat in Australia, or are they just a marginalised neurodivergent group with social issues that are largely misunderstood? You can find our support services here or contact Step Together for further information FURTHER LINKS RELATING TO THIS EPISODE How to Save an Incel  podcast What is an incel A short introduction to the involuntary celibate subculture We research online misogynist radicalisation here’s what parents of boys should know Talking to your sons about Andrew Tate and the 'manosphere' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the globe, there are vulnerable children and teenagers being exposed to various channels of information, often quite graphic, unfiltered and some can lead to exploitation. The responsibility for protecting kids, is community wide. It starts with parents and carers and teachers, but everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe from harm online. In this episode we chat with General Manger of eSafety -Toby Dagg. Their office keeps tabs on suspicious activity in the online space and helps protect people online. It's Australia's first and only regulatory body of its kind. Toby gives us insight into emerging online dangers and trends and what we can do about it. You can find our support services here or contact Step Together for further information FURTHER LINKS RELATING TO THIS EPISODE Protecting children from online grooming Internet Safety for Teenagers Unicef - parent teacher resources for online safety eSafety - support available when you see online content that is harmful and disturbing Reporting Online Extremism eSafety social media guide Thinkuknow: Preventing online child sexual exploitation The internet and violent extremism Online Radicalisation -what we know See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we chat with Fatina Elabd from Youth off the Streets. Youth Off the Streets provide intervention and support at the local level with a mission to support and empower young people. Homelessness in Australia is a growing problem. Almost 25% of all homeless Australians are young people aged 12-24. Jafar Sartawy is from their Leadership Program. He is an individual with a rich and diverse background, marked by personal experiences with extreme ideologies, substance abuse within social circles, and now a deep commitment to community service and support. He talks about his dedication to helping young people navigate challenging circumstances. You can find our support services here or contact Step Together for further information FURTHER LINKS RELATING TO THIS EPISODE A day in the life of a Youth Off The Streets youth worker  Video Tyrell's story Youth Off The Streets  Youth Off The Streets Streetwalk Developing connections with young people Helping young people have their say Best practice interventions for youth work Young people and extremism:  a resource pack  for youth workers Support for young people Youth Work Toolbox See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s podcast episode is all about communication. In our line of work our referrals are getting younger and parents are struggling with that communication disconnect with their teenagers – who are increasingly retreating online for that sense of belonging or understanding. It’s crucial we continue to communicate with our children – and in their world, so we can understand and know potential warning signs and vulnerabilities. Detective Blaise Cooper has 20 years law enforcement experience and is creator of the MYPATH Communication Model. In this episode he helps us understand how we can break down some communication barriers and gain trust and understanding with our kids. You can find our support services here or contact Step Together for further information FURTHER LINKS RELATING TO THIS EPISODE Helping pre-teens and teens manage emotional ups and downs Five tips on negotiating with your child – from a former FBI hostage negotiator What a Hostage Negotiator Can Teach Us About Parenting Understanding and managing anger Communicating effectively with someone you disagree with How to strengthen family communication See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.