Pathways is a UK government-funded game for 11–18-year-olds that warns players questioning mass migration or checking immigration statistics could be referred to the Prevent counterterrorism programme. The game places white teenage characters in scenarios that depict some political activity and routine information-seeking as signs of "extreme right-wing ideology." Critics say this approach risks chilling legitimate debate and stigmatizing civic engagement, while supporters argue Prevent seeks to stop violent radicalisation early.
UK-Funded Game 'Pathways' Sparks Concern Over Prevent Referrals For Teens
Brickbat: Down the Wrong Pathway
A UK government-funded educational game for students aged 11–18, called Pathways, has drawn criticism for portraying routine political questions and online searches as potential warning signs that could lead to a referral to the U.K. counterterrorism programme Prevent.
The game places white teenage characters in everyday scenarios and prompts players to choose actions designed to avoid being flagged for what the game labels as "extreme right-wing ideology." According to reports, Pathways suggests that questioning mass migration, checking immigration statistics online, interacting with certain groups, or attending protests opposing the "erosion of British values" might trigger a Prevent referral.
What the Game Shows
Pathways frames some political activity and information-seeking as potential indicators of radicalisation. Players are guided through dialogue choices and social situations where overt political discussion or contact with groups described as spreading "harmful ideological messages" is presented as risky behaviour that could attract intervention.
Concerns and Context
Supporters of Prevent say the programme aims to identify and stop violent radicalisation before it develops. Critics argue that materials like Pathways risk being overbroad, stigmatizing legitimate political debate and chilling young people’s curiosity about current affairs. Teachers, parents and civil liberties advocates have warned that conflating mainstream political questions with extremism could discourage healthy civic engagement.
Source: Reported coverage of the game originally appeared on Reason.com.
As public debate continues, educators and policymakers face the challenge of teaching young people how to recognise genuine signs of harmful radicalisation without suppressing legitimate political inquiry or disproportionately targeting particular communities.
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